IFN-λ: A New Inducer of Local Immunity against Cancer and Infections

Abstract

IFN-λ is the newly established type III IFN with unique immunomodulatory functions. In contrast to the IFN-α/β family and to some extent IFN-γ, IFN-λ is apparently acting in specific areas of the body to activate resident immune cells and induces a local immunity, instrumental in preventing particular infections and also keeping transformed cells under control. Mucosal areas of lung and gastrointestinal tracts are now under scrutiny to elucidate the immune mechanisms triggered by IFN-λ and leading to viral protection. New evidence also indicates the crucial role of IFN-λ in promoting innate immunity in solid cancer models. Based on its unique biological activities among the IFN system, new immunotherapeutic approaches are now emerging for the treatment of cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases. In the present review, we highlight the recent advances of IFN-λ immunomodulatory functions. We also discuss the perspectives of IFN-λ as a therapeutic agent.

Detection of T lymphocyte subsets and related functional molecules in follicular fluid of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…IFN-γ has the ability to ‘interfere’ with the replication of virus in infected cells. Other effects of IFN-γ include the activation of macrophages, enhancing the activity of natural killer cells, synergy with cytokines and facilitating antibody production by cells 33 . IFN-γ-induced chemokines and their receptors play important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine diseases 34 .…”

Elevated Systemic and Parasite—Antigen Stimulated Levels of Type III IFNs in a Chronic Helminth Infection and Reversal Following Anthelmintic Treatment

“…Recent evidence, however, suggests that the influence of Type III IFNs on host immunity extends beyond its effect at the mucosal level to effects on systemic immune responses, specifically the innate, and adaptive arms of the immune response ( 25 ). Thus, Type III IFNs are known to shape adaptive immune responses to viral and bacterial infection, alter anti-tumor responses and affect immunity ( 1 , 2 , 26 ).…”

EphA2 chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells for the immunotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

“…TNF-α and IFN-γ are cytokines both with anti-tumor characteristics (36,37). The production of TNF-α and IFN-γ by EphA2.CAR-T cells after co-culture with ESCC cells was tested by ELISA.…”