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

U Müller, U Steinhoff, LFL Reis, S Hemmi, J Pavlovic… - Science, 1994 - science.org
U Müller, U Steinhoff, LFL Reis, S Hemmi, J Pavlovic, RM Zinkernagel, M Aguet
Science, 1994science.org
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 …
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.
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