The interferon system and interferon regulatory factor transcription factors -- studies from gene knockout mice.
Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) were initially identified as regulators of IFN-alpha/beta genes and to date nine members have been determined in human and mouse. They share a conserved DNA-binding domain in the N-terminal portion that recognizes similar DNA sequences. Despite their similar DNA binding specificity, the IRFs show diverse functions in response to extra cellular stimuli. Although the study of IRFs was started with respect to regulation of the IFN-alpha/beta gene expression, recent studies have revealed other aspects of IRF functions. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the functions of IRF family members revealed by our gene targeting study in mice, focusing on the regulation of the IFN system.
Sato
M
M
Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan. mitsu-s@m.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Taniguchi
T
T
Tanaka
N
N
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002453:Cell Cycle; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D050856:Interferon Regulatory Factor-1; D007372:Interferons / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D023421:Models, Animal; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018406:Virus Physiological Phenomena
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C494257:IRF1 protein, human; D050856:Interferon Regulatory Factor-1; C494258:Irf1 protein, mouse; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D007372:Interferons