Role of the cytoplasmic domains of the type I interferon receptor subunits in signalling

Type I interferons are imperative in maintaining a defense against viral infection. These cytokines also play an important role in the control of cell proliferation. These effects are triggered by ligand binding to a specific cell surface receptor. In the present article, we attempt to analyze the advances made in the East four years on type I interferon signaling. This review will focus on the contribution of the cytoplasmic domain of the alpha and beta L chains of the receptor to the activation of the JakStat pathway. We also analyze the possible role of other pathways in interferon signaling.