IRF7

IRF7 or Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IRF7 gene. It is a member of the interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF) family. IRF7 has been shown to play a role in the transcriptional activation of virus-inducible cellular genes, including the type I interferon genes.

Function

IRF7 is a member of the interferon regulatory factors (IRF) family, which was originally discovered through their regulation of interferon and interferon-inducible genes. IRF7 is similar to IRF3 in its function, structure, and regulation. Both are key regulators of type I interferon-dependent immune responses. However, unlike IRF3, IRF7 is predominantly expressed in lymphoid tissue.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the IRF7 gene can lead to severe viral infections. This is because IRF7 is essential for the induction of type I interferon responses, which are a primary defense against viral infections. In particular, individuals with IRF7 mutations have been found to be highly susceptible to severe influenza.

See also

• Interferon regulatory factors
• Interferon
• Viral infection

External links

• IRF7 at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

IRF7 Resources
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