Interferon-λ: Immune Functions at Barrier Surfaces and Beyond

When type III interferon (IFN-λ; also known as interleukin-28 [IL-28] and IL-29) was discovered in 2003, its antiviral function was expected to be analogous to that of type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) via the induction of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Although IFN-λ stimulates expression of antiviral IS...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Immunity (Cambridge, Mass.) Mass.), 2015-07, Vol.43 (1), p.15-28
Main Authors: Lazear, Helen M., Nice, Timothy J., Diamond, Michael S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptive Immunity - immunology
Animals
Antiviral Agents - immunology
Autoimmunity - immunology
Brain - immunology
Brain - virology
Gastrointestinal Tract - immunology
Gastrointestinal Tract - virology
Humans
Immunity, Innate - immunology
Interferon-gamma - immunology
Mice
Neoplasms - immunology
Signal Transduction - immunology
Virus Diseases - immunology
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Summary:When type III interferon (IFN-λ; also known as interleukin-28 [IL-28] and IL-29) was discovered in 2003, its antiviral function was expected to be analogous to that of type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) via the induction of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Although IFN-λ stimulates expression of antiviral ISGs preferentially in cells of epithelial origin, recent studies have defined additional antiviral mechanisms in other cell types and tissues. Viral infection models using mice lacking IFN-λ signaling and SNP associations with human disease have expanded our understanding of the contribution of IFN-λ to the antiviral response at anatomic barriers and the immune response beyond these barriers. In this review, we highlight recent insights into IFN-λ functions, including its ability to restrict virus spread into the brain and to clear chronic viral infections in the gastrointestinal tract. We also discuss how IFN-λ modulates innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmunity, and tumor progression and its possible therapeutic applications in human disease. Interferon-λ induces antiviral gene programs in restricted cell types, including epithelial cells. Diamond and colleagues discuss recent insights into the induction of interferon-λ, its role in barrier immunity, and its connections to human disease.
ISSN:1074-7613
1097-4180
1097-4180
DOI:10.1016/j.immuni.2015.07.001