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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 23, 2025

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes

Published on: March 24, 2015

Herpesviruses and the Type III Interferon System.

Yue Yin¹, Herman W Favoreel²

¹Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.

Virologica Sinica

|January 5, 2021

Summary

Type III interferons (IFN-λ) are crucial for mucosal antiviral defense, particularly against herpesviruses. This review explores their specific role in combating these DNA viruses at epithelial barriers.

Keywords:

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)Herpesvirus Innate immunity Type III interferon (IFN-λ)

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Last Updated: Nov 23, 2025

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Published on: March 2, 2014

Area of Science:

Immunology
Virology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Type III interferons (IFN-λ) are key innate immune molecules, distinct from type I interferons (IFN-α/β).
While both IFN types induce antiviral states via interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), IFN-λ uniquely excels at protecting mucosal epithelial barriers.
Herpesviruses, large DNA viruses, infect hosts through mucosal surfaces, establishing lifelong latent infections.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of type III interferon's role in the immune response against herpesvirus infections.
To highlight the specific contributions of IFN-λ in antiviral defense at mucosal surfaces relevant to herpesvirus pathogenesis.
To consolidate knowledge on the limited but important interactions between herpesviruses and IFN-λ.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on type III interferons and herpesviruses.
Analysis of the distinct roles of type I and type III interferons in antiviral immunity.
Focus on herpesvirus entry via mucosal surfaces and subsequent immune responses.

Main Results:

Type III interferons are critical for first-line antiviral defense at mucosal epithelia.
IFN-λ plays a specialized role in antiviral protection, complementing the broader effects of type I IFNs.
Knowledge regarding herpesvirus interactions with IFN-λ is limited, primarily focusing on herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Conclusions:

Type III interferons are essential for controlling herpesvirus infections at mucosal sites.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between herpesviruses and IFN-λ.
Understanding IFN-λ's role is vital for developing strategies against herpesvirus infections originating at mucosal surfaces.