Interferon Signaling

Interferons are cytokines released from cells in response to infection. These cytokines propagate immune responses. There are 2 major interferon families: type I (alpha and beta) and type II (gamma). Interferons were originally discovered as antiviral factors, but later studies showed they are secreted in response to many different pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. In addition, interferons have antitumor properties. Type I interferons, secreted as part of the innate immune response, activate other immune cells and initiate interferon gamma (IFNG) secretion. Natural killer cells and some T cell subtypes secrete IFNG as a means to stimulate the immune system. Interferons bind to their receptors, initiating JAK-STAT signaling and ultimately increasing interferon responsive gene (ISG) transcription. There are many identified ISGs; however, not all of their functions related to pathogen response are known. Dysregulation of interferon activation and secretion can lead to immunodeficiencies as well as cancer progression.

QIAGEN provides a broad range of assay technologies for interferon signaling research that enables analysis of gene expression and regulation, epigenetic modification, genotyping, and signal transduction pathway activation. Solutions optimized for interferon signaling studies include PCR array, miRNA, siRNA, mutation analysis, pathway reporter, chromatin IP, DNA methylation, and protein expression products.