The Genetic Association of IFN-λs with Human Inflammatory Disorders Remains a Conundrum

J Interferon Cytokine Res. 2019 Oct;39(10):594-598. doi: 10.1089/jir.2019.0009. Epub 2019 Jun 4.

Abstract

Type III Interferons (IFNs) or lambda IFNs (IFN-λs or IFNLs) although are primarily antiviral cytokines, may have roles to play in shaping immune responses, including those during inflammation. Genetic variants within the IFNL locus have been shown to be associated with various inflammatory conditions in humans ranging from metabolic to autoimmune and allergic diseases. The mechanism behind these genetic associations is not clear. Appropriate data analysis methods and functional evidence should be complimentarily used to identify the causal variants and mechanisms.

Keywords: IFN-λ3; IFN-λ4; IFNL locus; SNPs; inflammatory disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases* / genetics
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / metabolism
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / pathology
  • Genetic Loci*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity* / genetics
  • Hypersensitivity* / metabolism
  • Hypersensitivity* / pathology
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Interferon Lambda
  • Interferons* / genetics
  • Interferons* / metabolism
  • Metabolic Diseases* / genetics
  • Metabolic Diseases* / metabolism
  • Metabolic Diseases* / pathology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*

Substances

  • Interferons
  • Interferon Lambda