The IFNL4 Gene Is a Noncanonical Interferon Gene with a Unique but Evolutionarily Conserved Regulation.

ABSTRACT: Interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) is a recently identified enigmatic member of the interferon (IFN) lambda family. Genetic data suggest that the IFNL4 gene acts in a proviral and anti-inflammatory manner in patients. However, the protein is indistinguishable in vitro from the other members of the interferon lambda family. We have investigated the gene regulation of IFNL4 in detail and found that it differs radically from that of canonical antiviral interferons. Being induced by viral infection is a defining characteristic of interferons, but viral infection or overexpression of members of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcription factors only leads to a minute induction of IFNL4 This behavior is evolutionarily conserved and can be reversed by inserting a functional IRF3 bin

SUBMITTER: Zhou H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7022339 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature