IRF9
Description
The IRF9 (interferon regulatory factor 9) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 14.
Interferon regulatory factor 9 is a protein encoded by the IRF9 gene, formerly known as ISGF3G. It interacts with STAT2 and STAT1 proteins.
IRF9, also known as ISGF3G, is a critical transcription factor in the body's defense against viral infections. It plays a crucial role in mediating the signaling of type I interferons (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta), key players in the immune response. When type I IFNs bind to receptors on the cell surface, they activate Jak kinases (TYK2 and JAK1). This activation leads to the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 proteins. IRF9 then joins forces with the phosphorylated STAT1:STAT2 dimer, forming a complex called ISGF3. This complex migrates to the cell's nucleus and binds to a specific DNA sequence known as the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE). Binding to ISRE triggers the activation of genes involved in the antiviral response, essentially putting the cell into an antiviral state.
IRF9 is also known as IRF-9, ISGF3, ISGF3G, p48.
