Immunomodulatory functions of type I interferons.
Interferon-α (IFNα) and IFNβ, collectively known as type I IFNs, are the major effector cytokines of the host immune response against viral infections. However, the production of type I IFNs is also induced in response to bacterial ligands of innate immune receptors and/or bacterial infections, indicating a broader physiological role for these cytokines in host defence and homeostasis than was originally assumed. The main focus of this Review is the underappreciated immunomodulatory functions of type I IFNs in health and disease. We discuss their function in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, the response to bacterial ligands, inflammasome activation, intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0663, USA. jog001@ucsd.edu
José M
JM
González-Navajas
Jongdae
J
Lee
Michael
M
David
Eyal
E
Raz
D056704:Adaptive Immunity / Q000276:immunology*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018448:Models, Immunological; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D016899:Interferon-beta