Functional role of type I and type II interferons in antiviral defense

Science. 1994 Jun 24;264(5167):1918-21. doi: 10.1126/science.8009221.

Abstract

Mice lacking the known subunit of the type I interferon (IFN) receptor were completely unresponsive to type I IFNs, suggesting that this receptor chain is essential for type I IFN-mediated signal transduction. These mice showed no overt anomalies but were unable to cope with viral infections, despite otherwise normal immune responses. Comparison of mice lacking either type I or type II IFN receptors showed that, at least in response to some viruses, both IFN systems are essential for antiviral defense and are functionally nonredundant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alphavirus Infections / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / biosynthesis
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Interferon Type I / physiology*
  • Interferon gamma Receptor
  • Interferon-gamma / physiology*
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / immunology
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta
  • Receptors, Interferon / genetics
  • Receptors, Interferon / physiology*
  • Rhabdoviridae Infections / immunology
  • Semliki forest virus
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Interferon Type I
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Interferon
  • Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta
  • Interferon-gamma