The control of interferon‐inducible gene expression

Abstract

The αβ interferons (IFNs) transiently induce genes through an IFN-stimulable DNA response element (ISRE). IFN-cell surface receptor interaction triggers the cytoplasmic activation of the complex primary transcription factor E, which on translocation and interaction with the ISRE initiates transcription. Whether E is activated directly through the receptor(s) or through a more classical second message pathway(s) and the roles of additional factors in the αβ and γ IFN responses remain to be established. Meanwhile analysis of mutants has revealed complexity and overlap in the α,β and γ IFN response pathways and the products of at least two viruses have been shown to inhibit IFN-inducible gene expression.