Type I & II Interferons & Antibodies

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines that play crucial roles in host defense against viral infections and in regulating various physiological processes, including immune response and cell proliferation. Distinguished by their biological actions, two primary forms of interferons exist; type I (IFN-α and IFN-β) and type II (IFN-γ). Principally synthesized from virus infected cells, type I interferons induce an antiviral state in other cells as well as monitor immune reactions. To bolster these activities, they also control the potency of certain defenses such as dendritic cells and T Cells.

In terms of signaling pathways, both type I and type II interferons signal through the IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) and the IFN-γ receptor (IFNGR), respectively. Upon binding to their respective receptors, interferons activate the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, leading to the activation of target genes involved in antiviral defense, immune regulation, and cell growth and differentiation.