IRF-7: an antiviral factor and beyond. (October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perrotti, Edvige; Marsili, Giulia; Sgarbanti, Marco; Remoli, Anna Lisa; Fragale, Alessandra; Acchioni, Chiara; Orsatti, Roberto; Battistini, Angela
• Is Part Of: Future virology. Volume 8:Number 10(2013)
• Page Start: 1007
• Page End: 1020
• Publication Date: 2013-10
• Subjects: homeostasis -- interferon -- interferon regulatory factors -- IRF-7 -- pattern recognition receptors; Virology -- Periodicals; Virus diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.9101
• DOI: 10.2217/fvl.13.88
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0794

Abstract

This review will summarize main characteristics and functions of IRF-7. IRF-7 and the highly homologous IRF-3 are two members of the IRF family of transcription factors that have emerged as crucial regulators of type I interferon (IFN) in response to pathogenic infections downstream pathogen recognition receptors. IRF-7 is also part of a positive-feedback regulatory loop essential for sustained IFN responses. Thus, tight regulation of its expression and activity is necessary to balance IFN-mediated beneficial effects and unwanted pathological consequences of IFN overproduction. Its role as an antiviral factor independent of IFN expression, and its involvement in other cellular functions beyond antiviral functions, including regulation of oncogenesis and metabolism, underscore its important role in the regulation of cellular homeostasis.