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Updated: Jan 23, 2026
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Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality
Published on: May 5, 2022
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Type-Specific Crosstalk Modulates Interferon Signaling in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Kalliopi Pervolaraki1,2, Cuncai Guo1, Dorothee Albrecht2
1Schaller Research Group at CellNetworks, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Summary
Type I and III interferons (IFNs) protect intestinal cells from viruses. This study reveals their signaling pathways are interconnected, with type III IFNs regulating type I IFNs, and vice versa, for enhanced antiviral defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are crucial targets for enteric viruses.
- Viral infection of IECs triggers type I and type III interferon (IFN) production for antiviral defense.
- The interplay between type I and III IFN signaling in IECs remains largely undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the signaling crosstalk between type I and type III interferons in human IECs.
- To determine if these IFNs synergize for enhanced antiviral protection.
- To investigate the functional consequences of this crosstalk on antiviral responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human IECs with targeted depletion of type I or type III IFN receptors.
- Analyzed interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression patterns.
- Assessed the efficiency of antiviral protection in response to IFN signaling.
Main Results:
- Type I and III IFN signaling pathways are interconnected in human IECs.
- Type III IFN receptor presence negatively regulates type I IFN signaling.
- Type I IFN receptor presence positively reinforces type III IFN signaling and function.
Conclusions:
- A complex crosstalk exists between type I and III IFN signaling in IECs.
- This crosstalk modulates ISG expression and antiviral protection efficiency.
- Human intestinal cells may preferentially utilize type III IFNs for protection.
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