Host Cell-Intrinsic Antiviral Defense Induced by Type I Interferons

Type I Interferons (IFNs) are potent antiviral cytokines that modulate both innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Type I IFNs are immediately induced by viral infection, and stimulate production of a broad range of gene products such as double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), 2' 5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS)/RNaseL and Mx GTPases. These proteins inhibit viral replication in host cells. Type I IFNs, in turn, lead to antiviral state at early phase of viral infection. We provide an overview of the knowledge of IFN-inducible antiviral proteins conserved in vertebrates.