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Modulation of T‐cell function by type I interferon
Author(s) -
Tough David F
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1038/icb.2012.7
Subject(s) - interferon , immune system , biology , context (archaeology) , immunology , t cell , cell , acquired immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , cell type , innate immune system , genetics , paleontology
Production of type I interferon (IFN‐α/β) is a common cellular response to virus infection. IFN‐α/β has a dual role in combating infection, triggering innate antiviral mechanisms and stimulating the generation of an adaptive immune response. This review focuses on the effects of IFN‐α/β on one particular immune cell type, the T cell, and the impact of IFN‐α/β‐mediated signalling in T cells on the immune response. The critical role of T‐cell responsiveness to IFN‐α/β for the generation of productive T‐cell responses after infections with certain viruses in vivo is discussed in the context of in vitro experiments investigating the mechanisms by which IFN‐α/β modifies T‐cell function. These studies reveal complex effects of IFN‐α/β on T cells, with the consequences of exposure to IFN‐α/β depending on the context of other signals received by the T cell.