Modulation of T-cell function by type I interferon

Production of type I interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) is a common cellular response to virus infection. IFN-alpha/beta 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-alpha/beta on one particular immune cell type, the T cell, and the impact of IFN-alpha/beta-mediated signalling in T cells on the immune response. The critical role of T-cell responsiveness to IFN-alpha/beta 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-alpha/beta modifies T-cell function. These studies reveal complex effects of IFN-alpha/beta on T cells, with the consequences of exposure to IFN-alpha/beta depending on the context of other signals received by the T cell. Immunology and Cell Biology (2012) 90, 492-497; doi:10.1038/icb.2012.7; published online 6 March 2012