IFNS and STATs, an Incestuous Relationship

摘要: Interferons (IFNs), founding members of the hematopoietin family cytokines (see Table 1), were first identified for their potent antiviral activity (reviewed in 1, 2). This provided an effective assay early characterization and cloning, enabling them to become products a nascent biotechnology industry. The availability recombinant IFN then unique opportunity study how mediate on target cells. led identification specific receptors, intracellular signaling proteins from JAK STAT families important genes. In many cases, these discoveries presaged our basic understanding all other hematopoietins pleiotropic biological effects. Ironically, interest IFNs waned once this paradigm was elucidated. However, over last several years number highlighting role play regulating intersection between innate adaptive immunity has spawned new field 3–5). After providing brief overview biology, review will focus dependent signals they stimulate.