Il28

Il28, also known as interferon lambda-3, is a protein that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is a type of interferon, a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and even tumor cells.

Il28, specifically, is produced by certain immune cells, such as monocytes and macrophages, in response to viral infections, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV). It then acts as a signal, binding to and activating the Interferon Lambda Receptor (IL28RA) on the surface of target cells, triggering a cascade of events that inhibit viral replication and promote the production of antiviral proteins.

Il28 has been found to have potent antiviral effects, both in vitro and in vivo, against various viruses, including HCV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and others. In the context of HCV, Il28 has been shown to have a crucial role in the regulation of the immune response, particularly in mediating the clearance of infected cells.

Research has also implicated Il28 in the development of several diseases, including hepatitis and liver cancer. As a result, understanding the mechanisms by which Il28 regulates the immune system and prevents viral replication is of great interest and relevance to the development of therapies for these conditions.

The Il28 gene, which encodes this protein, is located on chromosome 19 in humans. The human IL28 protein is 241 amino acids in length and shares significant homology with other interferon proteins, indicating a possible shared ancestry and functional relationship among these proteins.

Il28 continues to be an area of active research, with new studies focused on its impact on various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target.