Type I interferon during viral infections: multiple triggers for a multifunctional mediator

• Published in: Current topics in microbiology and immunology Vol. 316; p. 337
• Main Authors: Zuniga, E I, Hahm, B, Oldstone, M B A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 2007
• Subjects: Animals; Autoimmunity - immunology; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Interferon Type I - immunology; Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis - immunology; Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis - virology; Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus - immunology; Mice; Toll-Like Receptors - immunology
• ISSN: 0070-217X
• DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-71329-6_16

Type I interferons (IFN-I) orchestrate numerous biological and cellular processes and are essential elements during host antiviral defense. After recognition of highly conserved virus signatures, a complex network of signaling events is rapidly initiated and leads to IFN-I synthesis. These cytokines directly induce a strong antiviral state and exert several immune-regulatory actions aimed at preventing virus spread. On the other hand, viruses evolved to evade or subvert the IFN-I system for their own benefit. In the present article, we review selective aspects of IFN-I induction and functions during several viral infections and discuss the beneficial and detrimental roles of IFN-I illustrated during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in its natural host, the mouse.