Interferon epsilon (IFN-ε)

Interferon epsilon (IFN-ε) is a type I interferon cytokine and a protein-coding gene product uniquely expressed in certain tissues, especially in the female reproductive tract. IFN-ε is involved in the regulation and maintenance of basal expression levels of a subset of interferon-regulated genes, and plays a critical role in the mucosal immune defense against viral and bacterial infections in the genital tract[3][5][6]. It signals through the type I interferon receptor complex (IFNAR1/2), triggering intracellular signaling cascades (notably the JAK-STAT pathway) that promote expression of antiviral and immunomodulatory genes. Unlike other type I interferons such as IFN-α and IFN-β, IFN-ε is not typically induced by viral infection but is constitutively expressed, suggesting a specialized role in maintaining epithelial barrier immunity, with possible implications in reproductive tract health and infectious disease resistance[6][3][5].

Other names

IFNEIFNE1UNQ360/PRO655IFN-epsiloninterferon epsilon-1IFN-EIFNT1INFE1PRO655interferon tau-1

Modulation of immune responses through binding to type I interferon receptor and activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway[3] Induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) leading to antiviral states in target cells[5]