Basal IFN-λ2/3 expression mediates tight junction formation in human epithelial cells

ABSTRACT: Type-III interferons (or IFN-λs) play important roles in antiviral defense and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. While interferon expression has been primarily studied in response to pathogens, basal interferon expression also occurs in pathogen-free environments. However, the mechanisms regulating basal IFN-λ expression and their functions have not yet been elucidated. Here, we show that basal IFN-λ2/3 expression is linked to the development of an intact cellular epithelium characterized by formation of tight junctions and establishment of barrier function. Our findings indicate that basal IFN-λ2/3 expression depends on cGAS/STING-mediated mitochondrial DNA detection, while it is inhibited by the Hippo mechanotransduction pathway at low cellular densities. Cells lacking basal IFN-λ

SUBMITTER: Yagmur Keser 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44318-025-00539-5 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other