chapter 4 immunology - Type I interferons and soluble effectors

Which molecules are Type I interferons in this chapter?

IFN-α and IFN-β.

Type I IFNs are a first line of defense against what pathogens?

RNA and DNA viruses.

What transcription factors commonly induce Type I IFNs downstream of PRRs?

IRF transcription factors.

What are interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs)?

Genes induced during an interferon response.

Approximately how many ISGs are mentioned in the chapter?

About 450.

Through what two signaling modes can Type I IFNs turn on ISGs?

Autocrine and paracrine signaling.

What does PKR do as an ISG effector?

Inhibits dsRNA translation.

What enzyme does OAS activate?

RNase L.

What does RNase L do downstream of OAS?

Degrades viral dsRNA.

What do Mx proteins inhibit?

Viral transcription and assembly.

What do IFIT proteins inhibit?

Translation of viral dsRNA.

What are two antimicrobial peptide/protein examples emphasized in the chapter?

Defensins and cathelicidin.

What is the main direct effect of antimicrobial peptides on pathogens?

Inhibit or kill them.

What chemokine is emphasized for recruiting cells to infection sites?

IL-8 (CXCL8).

What is the major function of IL-8/CXCL8?

Chemoattract immune cells to the infection site.

Which cells are important targets of IL-8/CXCL8 in the chapter?

Neutrophils, basophils, immature dendritic cells, and T cells.

Name major inflammatory cytokines induced downstream of innate PRR signaling.

IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18.