Basal IFNλ2/3 signaling is required for ISG expression and viral control in human intestinal epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Interferon-lambdas (IFNλs) serve as critical mediators of antiviral defense at mucosal surfaces. Beyond their established role in regulating innate immune responses during infection, recent evidence demonstrates that IFNλs are constitutively expressed in pathogen-free environments, termed "basal" IFN expression. While intestinal epithelial cells constitutively express all basal IFNλ subtypes (IFNλ1, IFNλ2, and IFNλ3), their individual contributions to antiviral immunity remain poorly defined. Here, we systematically investigate the distinct roles of IFNλ1 and IFNλ2/3 in regulating intrinsic antiviral immunity using human intestinal epithelial T84 cells. Through genetic depletion of IFNλ1 or IFNλ2/3, we show that basal IFNλ2/3, but not IFNλ1, is essential for restricting replication and spr

SUBMITTER: Keser Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12822948 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature