Functional Role of Type I and Type II Interferons in Antiviral Defense
Ulrike Müller(University of Zurich), Ulrich Steinhoff(University of Zurich), Luiz F. L. Reis(University of Zurich), Silvio Hemmi(University of Zurich), Jovan Pavlovic(University of Zurich), Rolf M. Zinkernagel(University of Zurich), Michel Aguet(University of Zurich)
Cited by 2,462Open Access
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.