title: IFN-λ: A New Inducer of Local Immunity against Cancer and Infections.
abstract: IFN-λ is the newly established type III IFN with unique immunomodulatory functions. In contrast to the IFN-α/β family and to some extent IFN-γ, IFN-λ is apparently acting in specific areas of the body to activate resident immune cells and induces a local immunity, instrumental in preventing particular infections and also keeping transformed cells under control. Mucosal areas of lung and gastrointestinal tracts are now under scrutiny to elucidate the immune mechanisms triggered by IFN-λ and leading to viral protection. New evidence also indicates the crucial role of IFN-λ in promoting innate immunity in solid cancer models. Based on its unique biological activities among the IFN system, new immunotherapeutic approaches are now emerging for the treatment of cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases. In the present review, we highlight the recent advances of IFN-λ immunomodulatory functions. We also discuss the perspectives of IFN-λ as a therapeutic agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lasfar
authors.affiliation: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zloza
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA; St Joseph's Medical Center, Paterson, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de la Torre
authors.affiliation: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Karine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Cohen-Solal
keywords: IFN-λ; NK cells; immunotherapy of cancer; inflammation; mucosal immunity; viral infections