IFNL2

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. Seems not to be essential for early virus-activated host defense in vaginal infection, but plays an important role in Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced antiviral defense. Plays a significant role in the antiviral immune defense in the intestinal epithelium. Exerts an immunomodulatory effect by up-regulating MHC class I antigen expression.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the lambda interferon family.

Cellular localization

• Secreted

Alternative names

• Interferon lambda-2
• IFN-lambda-2
• Cytokine Zcyto20
• Interleukin-28A
• IL-28A
• IL28A
• ZCYTO20
• IFNL2

Database links

• entrezGene:282616
• entrezGene:282617
• entrezGene:282618
• omim:607401
• omim:607402
• omim:607403
• swissprot:Q8IZJ0
• swissprot:Q8IZI9
• swissprot:Q8IU54

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Immunology & Infectious Disease

Molecular weight

22288Da