Yin and Yang: The dual effects of interferons on hematopoiesis

Interferons (IFNs) are a group of signaling proteins primarily made and released by immune cells upon interaction with pathogens or cancer cells, but can be produced by most other cell types [1, 2]. Interferon production can also be induced endogenously by sensing self-ligands (i.e. dsDNA and dsRNA) or through TLR agonists [3]. These cellularly intrinsic stimuli induce the cGAS/STING (DNA) or RIG-I and MDA5 (RNA) pathways to maintain steady-state interferon production during homeostasis [3]. While IFNs are expressed at low levels in the body at baseline, members of the IFN family are induced to differing degrees depending on the stimulus, therefore their role in the immune response is dynamic and pathogen-specific [1, 2].

Source: Experimental Hematology - February 7, 2021 Category: Hematology Authors: Yasmin Demerdash, Bailee Kain, Marieke A.G. Essers, Katherine Y. King Tags: Review Source Type: research