IFNL3
IFNL3 (interferon lambda 3, also known as IL-28B or IL28C) is a secreted type III interferon that drives antiviral defence, particularly in epithelial tissues. It signals through the IL10RB and IFNLR1 receptor complex to switch on interferon-stimulated genes. Browse Assay Genie's current range of IFNL3 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
IFNL3 is a cytokine with antiviral, antitumour and immunomodulatory activities. It acts as a ligand for a heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor made up of IL10RB and IFNLR1. Receptor engagement activates the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, which leads to expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that establish the antiviral state. It also exerts an immunomodulatory effect by up-regulating MHC class I antigen expression.
Unlike many cytokines, IFNL3 has a restricted range of targets. Its activity is primarily in epithelial cells, because its receptor chain IFNLR1 is expressed in an epithelial cell-specific manner. The protein plays a critical role in antiviral host defence in epithelial tissues and a significant role in the intestinal epithelium. It seems not to be essential for early virus-activated defence in vaginal infection, but it does contribute to Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced antiviral defence. The IFNL3 protein is secreted.
The IFNL3 gene belongs to the type III (lambda) interferon family and encodes a cytokine distantly related to type I interferons and the IL-10 family. It forms a cytokine gene cluster at 19q13 with IL28A (IFNL2) and IL29 (IFNL1), three closely related genes whose expression can be induced by viral infection. The gene was formerly named interleukin 28B, and the symbols IL28B and IL28C remain in use as aliases. All three cytokines interact with the IL10RB and IL28RA (IFNLR1) receptor heterodimer.
IFNL3 induces interferon-stimulated genes that mediate the antiviral state, making it a core cytokine for studying host defence against viral infection.
Its activity is restricted to epithelial cells through IFNLR1 expression, and it contributes to antiviral defence in the intestinal epithelium.
Binding to the IL10RB and IFNLR1 receptor complex activates JAK/STAT signalling, providing a defined route for studying interferon-driven gene expression.
IFNL3 has antitumour and immunomodulatory activities, including up-regulation of MHC class I antigen expression, and acts in TLR-induced antiviral responses.
IFNL3 is a secreted cytokine that binds the IL10RB and IFNLR1 receptor complex, activating JAK/STAT signalling and interferon-stimulated gene expression. This establishes an antiviral state, mainly in epithelial cells, and it also up-regulates MHC class I antigen expression.
IFNL3 is also called interferon lambda-3, IL-28B, IL28B and IL28C. Its previous HGNC names were interleukin 28B and interleukin 28B (interferon, lambda 3). It is a member of the type III, or lambda, interferon family, alongside IFNL2 (IL28A) and IL29.
A mouse ortholog, Ifnl3, is recorded for this gene. The human gene sits in a cluster with two closely related lambda interferon genes at 19q13. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other type III interferon family members and related cytokines with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q8IZI9; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.