A weak signal for strong responses: Interferon-alpha/beta revisited

Authors
Taniguchi, T Takaoka, A
Citation
T. Taniguchi et A. Takaoka, A weak signal for strong responses: Interferon-alpha/beta revisited, NAT REV MOL, 2(5), 2001, pp. 378-386
Citations number
94
Categorie Soggetti
Cell & Developmental Biology
Journal title
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
14710072 → ACNP
Volume
2
Issue
5
Year of publication
2001
Pages
378 - 386
Database
ISI
SICI code
1471-0072(200105)2:5<378:AWSFSR>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
Biological systems have acquired adaptability and robustness against rapid environmental changes. A typical example is the immune system, which eradic ates invading pathogens such as viruses, interferons alpha and beta, which are produced in response to viral infection, are essential components of th is system but are also produced at low levels in the absence of infection. What is the purpose of the constitutive weak interferon-alpha/beta signal?