IFNL4
Description
The IFNL4 (interferon lambda 4 (gene/pseudogene)) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
IFNL4 is one of the most recently discovered human genes, belonging to the interferon lambda protein family. It is involved in the immune response to viral infection, specifically by triggering an antiviral response through activation of the JAK-STAT pathway and upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes. Genetic variations near IFNL4 are linked to hepatitis C virus clearance and other disease phenotypes. IFNL4 was discovered in 2013 after the initial discovery of the three related genes (IFNL1, IFNL2, and IFNL3) in 2003. The Human Genome Organization Gene Nomenclature Committee (HUGO NC) initially classified the first three genes as interleukins, but later reclassified them as interferons upon discovery of the fourth gene.
IFNL4 is a cytokine that plays a key role in the antiviral response. It activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, leading to the upregulation of specific interferon-stimulated genes.
IFNL4 is also known as IFNAN.
