A weak signal for strong responses: interferon-alpha/beta revisited

T Taniguchi, A Takaoka - Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2001 - nature.com
T Taniguchi, A Takaoka
Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2001nature.com
Biological systems have acquired adaptability and robustness against rapid environmental
changes. A typical example is the immune system, which eradicates invading pathogens
such as viruses. Interferons α and β, which are produced in response to viral infection, are
essential components of this system but are also produced at low levels in the absence of
infection. What is the purpose of the constitutive weak interferon-α/β signal?
Abstract
Biological systems have acquired adaptability and robustness against rapid environmental changes. A typical example is the immune system, which eradicates invading pathogens such as viruses. Interferons α and β, which are produced in response to viral infection, are essential components of this system but are also produced at low levels in the absence of infection. What is the purpose of the constitutive weak interferon-α/β signal?
nature.com