Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3)

Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3) is a cytoplasmic protein and key member of the IFIT family, rapidly induced by type I interferon signaling and viral infection. IFIT3 contains tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs) that mediate protein-protein interactions, allowing the formation of complexes (e.g., with IFIT1 and IFIT2) which are critical for both direct antiviral responses (such as inhibition of viral RNA translation) and indirect amplification of interferon signaling through cytoplasmic sensors, including STING and MAVS pathways. IFIT3 has no known enzymatic activity but acts as a multifaceted adapter in innate immunity, controlling cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory signaling, and is implicated in infection control, tumor immunity, and cellular stress responses. Emerging research highlights its clinical potential as a biomarker and possible therapeutic target, especially in cancer and viral diseases, although direct pharmacological targeting is not established as of the latest literature.

Other names

IFIT3CIG-49IFI60IFIT4ISG60IFIT-3IFI-60KIFIT-4P60RIG-Gcig41IRG2CIG49GARG-49ISG-60Interferon-induced 60 kDa proteinInterferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 4Retinoic acid-induced gene G protein

Not directly drugged; mechanisms involve indirect activation or inhibition of interferon signaling or modulation of antiviral/immune pathways. Acts as part of IFIT complexes to inhibit translation of non-self/viral RNAs. Bridges interactions between MAVS and TBK1, leading to interferon response activation.