IFIT4

IFIT4, also known as Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 4, is a gene and its corresponding protein product. The IFIT4 protein is characterized by the presence of tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR), which are known to mediate protein-protein interactions. It is part of the larger Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFIT) family, a group of proteins induced by interferon signaling. The primary role of IFIT4 is thought to be involved in the cellular response to viral infections. Upon viral detection, interferon pathways are activated, leading to the expression of IFIT proteins, including IFIT4. The protein has been implicated in modulating innate immune responses and antiviral defense mechanisms. Research suggests that IFIT4 may interact with viral components or host cellular factors to inhibit viral replication. Its precise mechanisms of action are still under investigation, but it is believed to contribute to the overall antiviral state established by interferon. The expression of IFIT4 can be induced by various stimuli beyond interferons, including certain cytokines and bacterial components, suggesting a broader role in the immune system.