Interferon type III (IFN Type III)

The Interferon type III (IFN Type III) is a group of anti-viral cytokines. It consists of four interferon lambda molecules.
Vilcek 2003 Nature Immunology 4(1): 8-9

The discovery of interferon lambda molecules occurred in 2003.
Kotenko et al. 2003 Nature Immunology 4(1): 69-77

The function of these molecules is akin to type I interferons; however, it is less intense and primarily acts as an initial defense against viruses in the epithelium.
Kotenko & Durbin 2017 The Journal of Biological Chemistry 292 (18): 7295-7303

Interferon type III (IFN Type III) are important for fighting off several gut viruses . It is not yet known if type III IFNs play a role in causing diarrhea .
Kalugotla et al. 2024 Curr Opin Immunol 87: 102425

Interferon type III (IFN Type III) usually cause fewer side effects when given by injection.
Miller et al. 2009 Ann N. Y. Acad Sci 1182: 80-87

see also:
Interferon type III (IFN Type III) & Hepatitis C (HCV) infection