Pathway: Regulation of IFNA/IFNB signaling
Reactions in pathway: Regulation of IFNA/IFNB signaling :
Regulation of IFNA/IFNB signaling
There are several proteins and mechanisms involved in controlling the extent of ligand stimulation of IFNA/B signaling. These mechanisms can effect every step of the IFNA/B cascade. Dephosphorylation of JAK and STAT by SHP protein phosphatases, inhibition of STAT function in the nucleus by protein inhibitors of activated STATs (PIAS) proteins, inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity of JAKs by SOCS as well as inhibition of JAK and IFNAR2 interaction by UBP43 are few of the negative regulation mechanisms in controling type I IFN signaling.
Cytokines are small proteins that regulate and mediate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. They are secreted in response to immune stimuli, and usually act briefly, locally, at very low concentrations. Cytokines bind to specific membrane receptors, which then signal the cell via second messengers, to regulate cellular activity.
Humans are exposed to millions of potential pathogens daily, through contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Our ability to avoid infection depends on the adaptive immune system and during the first critical hours and days of exposure to a new pathogen, our innate immune system.