IRF3

IRF3 or Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IRF3 gene. It is a member of the interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF) family. IRF3 was originally discovered as a homolog of IRF1 and IRF2. It is found in an inactive cytoplasmic form that upon serine/threonine phosphorylation forms a complex with CREBBP. This complex translocates to the nucleus and activates the transcription of interferons alpha and beta, as well as other interferon-induced genes.

Function

IRF3 is a key transcription factor involved in the induction of interferon (IFN) in response to viral infection. It is activated by a variety of viruses, including herpes simplex virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and Sendai virus. Upon activation, IRF3 translocates to the nucleus and binds to the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) in the promoter of IFN genes, leading to the production of IFN and the activation of IFN-stimulated genes.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the IRF3 gene have been associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex encephalitis, a rare complication of herpes simplex virus infection. Additionally, IRF3 has been implicated in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can inhibit the activation of IRF3, thereby suppressing the production of IFN and evading the immune response.

See also

• Interferon regulatory factors
• Interferon
• Herpes simplex virus
• SARS-CoV-2

External links

• IRF3 at the National Center for Biotechnology Information

IRF3

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  Toll-like receptor pathways revised