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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A High Resolution Method to Monitor Phosphorylation-dependent Activation of IRF3
Published on: January 24, 2016
IRF-3 releases its inhibitions
Insights
Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 3 activates antiviral genes. Its structure with CBP/p300 coactivator reveals IRF activation mechanisms and CBP/p300 flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 3 is a key transcription factor.
- IRF-3 activation initiates the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) crucial for antiviral defense.
Discussion:
- The study presents the structure of IRF-3 bound to the CBP/p300 coactivator.
- This structural information elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying IRF-3 activation.
- It also highlights the inherent structural flexibilities of the CBP/p300 coactivator.
Key Insights:
- Reveals the structural basis for IRF-3 mediated transcriptional activation.
- Demonstrates how CBP/p300 accommodates conformational changes during coactivation.
- Provides insights into the dynamic interplay between transcription factors and coactivators.
Outlook:
- Potential for developing novel therapeutics targeting IRF-3 or CBP/p300 pathways.
- Further structural studies of related transcription factor complexes.
- Understanding these mechanisms aids in modulating innate immune responses.
Abstract:
Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 3 plays a critical role in triggering the activation of interferon antiviral genes. The structure of IRF-3 in association with the CBP/p300 coactivator by in this issue of Structure illuminates the mechanism of IRF activation and the structural flexibilities inherent in CBP/p300.
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