Interferon Induction Pathway

The interferon induction pathway is a critical component of the innate immune response, primarily activated in response to viral infections. It leads to the production and secretion of interferons (IFNs), which are cytokines that help establish an antiviral state in cells and orchestrate both innate and adaptive immunity. Upon detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from viruses or bacteria by PRRs like TLRs or RLRs, a signaling cascade is triggered, leading to the activation of transcription factors such as IRF3/IRF7 and NF-κB. These factors translocate into the nucleus where they bind specific promoter regions on IFN genes to initiate transcription. After secretion, interferons bind their respective cell surface receptors, activating JAK kinases and STAT proteins, ultimately driving the transcriptional activation of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs).