Gene that can be expressed in response to stimulation by interferon
An interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) is a gene that can be expressed in response to stimulation by interferon.[1][2] Interferons bind to receptors on the surface of a cell, initiating protein signaling pathways within the cell. This interaction leads to the expression of a subset of genes involved in the innate immune system response.[1] ISGs are commonly expressed in response to viral infection, but also during bacterial infection and in the presence of parasites.[2][1] It's currently estimated that 10% of the human genome is regulated by interferons (IFNs).[3] Interferon stimulated genes can act as an initial response to pathogen invasion, slowing down viral replication and increasing expression of immune signaling complexes.[4] There are three known types of interferon.[5] With approximately 450 genes highly expressed in response to interferon type I.[3] Type I interferon consists of INF-α, INF-β, INF-ω and is expressed in response to viral infection.[6] ISGs induced by type I interferon are associated with viral replication suppression and increase expression of immune signaling proteins.[7]Type II interferon consists only of INF-γ and is associated with controlling intracellular pathogens and tumor suppressor genes. Type III interferon consists of INF-λ and is associated with viral immune response and is key in anti-fungal neutrophil response.[8]
^ abSen GC, Sarkar SN (2007). "The Interferon-Stimulated Genes: Targets of Direct Signaling by Interferons, Double-Stranded RNA, and Viruses". Interferon: The 50th Anniversary. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology. Vol. 316. pp. 233–50. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-71329-6_12. ISBN978-3-540-71328-9. PMID17969451.