Viruses and the type I interferon antiviral system: induction and evasion.
The type I interferon (IFN) system responds to viral infection and induces an "antiviral state" in cells, providing an important first line of defense against virus infection. Interaction of type I IFNs (IFN alpha and IFN beta) with their receptor induces hundreds of cellular genes. Of the proteins induced by IFN, the antiviral function of only a few is known, and their mechanisms of action are only partly understood. Additionally, although viral-encoded mechanisms that counteract specific components of the type I IFN response have been known for some time, it has recently become clear that many (if not most) viruses encode some form of IFN-antagonist. Understanding the interplay between viral-encoded IFN antagonists and the interferon response will be essential if the therapeutic potential of IFNs is to be fully exploited.
Basler
Christopher F
CF
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, New York, NY, USA.
García-Sastre
Adolfo
A
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D015398:Signal Transduction; D018406:Virus Physiological Phenomena
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I