Modulation of T-cell function by type I interferon.

ABSTRACT

Production of type I interferon (IFN-α/ß) is a common cellular response to virus infection. IFN-α/ß has a dual role in combating infection, triggering innate antiviral mechanisms and stimulating the generation of an adaptive immune response. This review focuses on the effects of IFN-α/ß on one particular immune cell type, the T cell, and the impact of IFN-α/ß-mediated signalling in T cells on the immune response. The critical role of T-cell responsiveness to IFN-α/ß for the generation of productive T-cell responses after infections with certain viruses in vivo is discussed in the context of in vitro experiments investigating the mechanisms by which IFN-α/ß modifies T-cell function. These studies reveal complex effects of IFN-α/ß on T cells, with the consequences of exposure to IFN-α/ß depending on the context of other signals received by the T cell.