Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-alpha/beta) are potent antiviral cytokines and modulators of the adaptive immune system. They are induced by viral infection or by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a by-product of viral replication, and lead to the production of a broad range of antiviral proteins and immunoactive cytokines. Viruses, in turn, have evolved multiple strategies to counter the IFN system which would otherwise stop virus growth early in infection. Here we discuss the current view on the balancing act between virus-induced IFN responses and the viral counterplayers.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Review
MeSH terms
-
Animals
-
Antiviral Agents / antagonists & inhibitors
-
Antiviral Agents / metabolism*
-
Dendritic Cells / metabolism
-
Gene Expression
-
Humans
-
Interferons / antagonists & inhibitors
-
Interferons / genetics
-
Interferons / metabolism*
-
Signal Transduction
-
Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism
-
Viral Interference
-
Viral Proteins / metabolism
-
Viral Proteins / pharmacology
-
Virus Diseases / metabolism*
-
Virus Diseases / virology
-
Virus Physiological Phenomena* / drug effects
Substances
-
Antiviral Agents
-
Toll-Like Receptors
-
Viral Proteins
-
Interferons