IFNL1

This gene encodes a cytokine distantly related to type I interferons and the IL-10 family. This gene, interleukin 28A (IL28A), and interleukin 28B (IL28B) are three closely related cytokine genes that form a cytokine gene cluster on a chromosomal region mapped to 19q13. Expression of the cytokines encoded by the three genes can be induced by viral infection. All three cytokines have been shown to interact with a heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor that consists of interleukin 10 receptor, beta (IL10RB) and interleukin 28 receptor, alpha (IL28RA). [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Full Name

Interferon Lambda 1

Function

Cytokine with antiviral, antitumour and immunomodulatory activities. Plays a critical role in the antiviral host defense, predominantly in the epithelial tissues. Acts as a ligand for the heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor composed of IL10RB and IFNLR1, and receptor engagement leads to the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway resulting in the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG), which mediate the antiviral state. Has a restricted receptor distribution and therefore restricted targets: is primarily active in epithelial cells and this cell type-selective action is because of the epithelial cell-specific expression of its receptor IFNLR1. Exerts an immunomodulatory effect by up-regulating MHC class I antigen expression.

Biological Process

Defense response to virus Source: UniProtKB
Innate immune response Source: GO_Central
Negative regulation of cell population proliferation Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of interleukin-13 production Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of interleukin-5 production Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of memory T cell differentiation Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of T cell differentiation Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of type 2 immune response Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of immune response Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of interferon-gamma production Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of MHC class I biosynthetic process Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of receptor signaling pathway via JAK-STAT Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT protein Source: UniProtKB
Receptor signaling pathway via JAK-STAT Source: InterPro

Cellular Location

Secreted