A genetically encoded reporter reveals interferon responses in multiple cell lineages.

ABSTRACT: Interferons (IFNs) are canonical antiviral cytokines with emerging homeostatic functions across tissues, including in the brain. To date, a lack of tools to visualize IFN-responsive cells has limited our understanding of the breadth and nature of IFN signaling. Here we developed a novel and bright mouse reporter of IFN responses called IFN-brite, Bright Reporter of Interferon sTimulated gene Expression, consisting of two copies of the bright and fast-maturing green fluorescent fluorophore mGreenLantern downstream of the native Isg15 gene. Isg15 is one of the most abundant interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) and is detected in many cell types, including immune, stromal, and neuronal cells. Using in vivo and in vitro cytokine delivery, we show that IFN-brite is preferentially se

SUBMITTER: Anderson SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803042 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature