IFN-lambda2 Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

This gene encodes a cytokine distantly related to type I interferons and the IL-10 family. This gene, interleukin 28B (IL28B), and interleukin 29 (IL29) 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]

Function: Cytokine with immunomodulatory activity. Up-regulates MHC class I antigen expression. Displays potent antiviral activity. Also displays antitumor activity. Ligand for the heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor composed of IL10RB and IFNLR1. The ligand/receptor complex seems to signal through the Jak-STAT pathway. 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. Ref.1 Ref.4 Ref.5

Subcellular location: Secreted Ref.4.

Induction: By viral infections or double-stranded RNA. Ref.1 Ref.4

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the lambda interferon family.

Caution: It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-5 is the initiator.

Sequence caution: The sequence AAR24510.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation. Translation N-terminally extended.