THE CONTROL OF INTERFERON-INDUCIBLE GENE-EXPRESSION

The alpha-beta-interferons (IFNs) transiently induce genes through the IFN-stimulable DNA response element (ISRE). IFN-cell surface receptor interaction triggers the cytoplasmic activation of the complex primary transcription factor E, which on translocation and interaction with the ISRE initiates transcription. Whether E is activated directly through the receptor(s) or through a more classical second message pathway(s) and the roles of additional factors in the alpha-beta and gamma-IFN responses remain to be established. Meanwhile analysis of mutants has revealed complexity and overlap in the alpha-beta and gamma-IFN response pathways and the products of at least two viruses have been shown to inhibit IFN-inducible gene expression.