Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is a member of the IRF family. It plays a crucial role in activation of innate immunity and inflammation in response to viral infection, functioning as a molecular switch for antiviral activity.1,2,3,4,5 Double-stranded RNA generated during a viral infection leads to IRF3 activation by serine/threonine phosphorylation by TBK1 or IKBKE kinases, which induces a conformational change leading to its dimerization, nuclear localization, and association with CREBBP.1,2,3,6 The complex, known as DRAF1, activates transcription interferons alpha and beta, as well as other interferon-induced genes.1,6 These genes play a critical role in type 1 interferon (IFN)-dependent immune response.5 A recent study shows phosphorylation of innate immune adaptor proteins MAVS, STING, and TRIF recruits and specifies IRF3 phosphorylation and activation by the serine/threonine-protein kinase TBK1, thereby inducing the production of type-1 interferons.2,4,7WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
