Interferon Lambda: A New Sword in Cancer Immunotherapy

Figure 1

IFN-α and IFN-λ receptor systems and cell signaling. IFN-α and IFN-λ interact with distinct receptors, but the downstream signaling is similar. IFN-α interacts with receptors composed of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, and IFN-λ interacts with a receptor composed of a specific chain, IFN-λR1, and IL-10R2, a shared subunit with IL-10, IL-22, and IL-26. Both IFNs lead to the activation of the Jak kinases (Jak1 and Tyk2) and the formation of the transcription-complex-designated IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3), which includes p48, Stat1, and Stat2. ISGF3 complex binds to the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) and induces gene transcription.