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Updated: Apr 16, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Interfering with immunity: detrimental role of type I IFNs during infection
Sebastian A Stifter1, Carl G Feng2
1Immunology and Host Defense Group, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia; and Mycobacterial Research Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract:
Type I IFNs are known to inhibit viral replication and mediate protection against viral infection. However, recent studies revealed that these cytokines play a broader and more fundamental role in host responses to infections beyond their well-established antiviral function. Type I IFN induction, often associated with microbial evasion mechanisms unique to virulent microorganisms, is now shown to increase host susceptibility to a diverse range of pathogens, including some viruses. This article presents an overview of the role of type I IFNs in infections with bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogens and discusses the key mechanisms mediating the regulatory function of type I IFNs in pathogen clearance and tissue inflammation.
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