Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7)

Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) is a member of the interferon regulatory factor family of transcription factors, encoded by the *IRF7* gene on human chromosome 11p15.5[2][4]. IRF7 plays a critical role as the "master regulator" of type I interferon (IFN-I) induction downstream of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), especially in response to viral infection[2][3][6]. Upon detection of pathogenic nucleic acids by PRRs, IRF7 is phosphorylated by kinases such as TBK1 and IKKε, dimerizes, and translocates to the nucleus where it activates transcription of type I interferon genes—including multiple IFN-α genes[3][5][6]. IRF7 is constitutively expressed in lymphoid tissues such as the spleen, bone marrow, and particularly in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, but it is inducible in many other cell types[2][4]. Beyond antiviral defense, IRF7 regulates diverse biological processes including autophagy, apoptosis, and cell proliferation; it acts both through IFN-I dependent and independent pathways[2][3]. IRF7 activity and expression are regulated by complex post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, which tightly control its activation potential and function[1][6]. IRF7 plays significant roles in the pathogenesis and modulation of infectious diseases, cancer (acting as either suppressor or promoter depending on context), inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune diseases[2][3][7]. Aberrant or excessive IRF7 activity has been implicated as a contributor to autoimmunity and certain cancer phenotypes[2][3]. Several splice variants exist (IRF7A, IRF7B, IRF7C, IRF7H), each with distinct regulatory properties and potential roles in immunity and disease[1][2]. IRF7 interacts with other IRF family members, such as IRF3, and with negative regulators like AIP[4][5]. To date, IRF7 itself does not have direct small molecule drugs or inhibitors in clinical use, but it is regarded as a druggable target for antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies[2].

Other names

IRF-7Interferon regulatory factor-7IRF7AIRF7BIRF7CIRF7H