Grant: Project Grant

Type I interferons (IFNs) are molecule that rapidly produced in response to infections and are very important for combatting virus infections. The antiviral functions of these innate factors are well known. However, this innate factors have also an important regulatory function to prevent tissue damage following viral infections. We recently found that type I IFN is critical to prevent over-reaction of host immune system that otherwise causes severe virus-induced damage to the infected tissue. In this proposal we would like to understand how these innate antiviral factors prevent virus-induced tissue damage.