Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is a member of the IRF family that plays a crucial role in activation of innate immunity and inflammation in response to viral infection, functioning as a molecular switch for antiviral activity. Double-stranded RNA generated during a viral infection leads to IRF3 activation through serine/threonine phosphorylation by TBK1 or IKKε (IKBKE) kinases, which induces a conformational change leading to its dimerization, nuclear localization, and association with CREB binding protein (CREBBP)/p300. The complex formed by this association, known as DRAF1, activates transcription of interferon α (IFN-α) and IFN-β as well as other IFN-induced genes, which play a critical role in the type 1 IFN-dependent immune response. Cayman’s IRF3 Polyclonal Antibody can be used for Western blot and ELISA applications. The antibody recognizes IRF3 at ~47 kDa from human samples.
