Interfering with immunity: detrimental role of type I IFNs during infection.
Type I IFNs are known to inhibit viral replication and mediate protection against viral infection. However, recent studies revealed that these cytokines play a broader and more fundamental role in host responses to infections beyond their well-established antiviral function. Type I IFN induction, often associated with microbial evasion mechanisms unique to virulent microorganisms, is now shown to increase host susceptibility to a diverse range of pathogens, including some viruses. This article presents an overview of the role of type I IFNs in infections with bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral pathogens and discusses the key mechanisms mediating the regulatory function of type I IFNs in pathogen clearance and tissue inflammation.
Immunology and Host Defense Group, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia; and Mycobacterial Research Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia.
Sebastian A
SA
Stifter
Immunology and Host Defense Group, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia; and Mycobacterial Research Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia carl.feng@sydney.au.edu.
Carl G
CG
Feng
D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D060467:Disease Resistance / Q000276:immunology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000276:immunology*; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D053633:Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D007370:Interferon Type I; D053633:Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta