Current prospects of type II interferon signaling and autoimmunity

Interferon (IFN) is a pleiotropic protein secreted by immune cells. IFN signals through the IFN receptor, a protein complex that mediates downstream signaling events. Studies into IFN signaling have provided insight into the general concepts of receptor signaling, receptor internalization, regulation of distinct signaling pathways, and transcriptional regulation. Although IFN is the central mediator of the adaptive immune response to pathogens, it has been shown to be involved in several non-infectious physiological processes. This review will provide an introduction into IFN signaling biology and the functional roles of IFN in the autoimmune response.