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Related Concept Videos

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...

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Basal IFNλ2/3 signaling is required for ISG expression and viral control in human intestinal epithelial cells.

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Basal IFN-λ2/3 expression mediates tight junction formation in human epithelial cells.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
10:00

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

Published on: March 24, 2015

Subtype-specific functions of basal IFNλs.

Megan L Stanifer1

  • 1Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Journal of Virology
|June 2, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Type III interferons (IFNλs) have diverse roles beyond antiviral defense, regulating epithelial homeostasis. Understanding subtype-specific functions is crucial for developing targeted therapeutics.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Type III interferons (IFNλs) are the newest interferon family, signaling via the IFNLR1 receptor.
  • Traditionally known for antiviral defense at mucosal barriers, their broader physiological roles are emerging.
  • A key knowledge gap exists regarding the functional redundancy versus distinct roles of the four human IFNλ subtypes (IFNλ1-4).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether the four human Type III interferon subtypes function redundantly or have distinct biological purposes.
  • To explore the roles of IFNλs in epithelial homeostasis beyond antiviral immunity.
  • To highlight the urgency of understanding subtype-specific functions for clinical development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of accumulating evidence and recent discoveries on IFNλ subtypes.
Keywords:
IFNλbasal gene expressionepithelial cellsinterferontype III interferon

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  • Analysis of signaling kinetics, potencies, and downstream effects on epithelial biology.
  • Examination of constitutive basal IFNλ expression in healthy epithelia.

    • Main Results:

    • Emerging data challenge the assumption of functional redundancy among IFNλ subtypes.
    • Different subtypes exhibit distinct signaling kinetics, potencies, and effects on epithelial biology.
    • IFNλs regulate epithelial homeostasis, including barrier integrity, differentiation, and tissue architecture, with constitutive basal expression observed.

    Conclusions:

    • IFNλ subtypes possess distinct functions, regulating both pathogen control and epithelial homeostasis.
    • Understanding these subtype-specific roles is critical for optimizing IFNλ-based therapeutics.
    • Further research is needed to address subtype-specific regulation, pathology, and pathogen interactions.