interferon lambda

Interferon lambda is a type III interferon and a cytokine involved in the body’s first-line antiviral defense, particularly at epithelial barriers such as the lungs, intestines, and liver. Its mechanism of action is through binding to the interferon lambda receptor complex (IFNLR1/IL-10R2), activating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and upregulating interferon-stimulated genes, resulting in an antiviral state within these cells[1][4][7]. Unlike type I interferons (such as IFN-alpha), whose receptors are widely distributed, the IFN-lambda receptor is mainly restricted to epithelial cells, limiting systemic and hematopoietic side effects[1][3][4]. Interferon lambda has shown potent nonredundant antiviral effects against a broad range of viruses including SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, norovirus, rotavirus, reovirus, HCV, HBV, RSV, rhinovirus, and others[4][7]. Clinical studies, including Phase 1 and 2 trials, have demonstrated its safety and tolerability, with fewer systemic adverse effects compared to other IFNs, and potential utility in treating COVID-19, HCV, and a variety of respiratory viral infections[1][3][5][9]. It is produced naturally at mucosal surfaces as an early frontline defense and also modulates local immune responses, bridging innate and adaptive immunity at epithelial barriers[4][6].

Other names

pegylated interferon lambdaPEG-IFN-lambdatype III interferon