The IRF transcription factor family in type I interferon-mediated antiviral immunity and associated diseases

The interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family was first identified as a group of transcriptional regulators controlling type I interferon (IFN) gene expression during viral infection. In mammals, this family consists of nine members that play broad and indispensable roles extending beyond the IFN system and immunity. Developments in the study of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) signaling have revealed several IRFs as central mediators of innate immune pathway regulation, thereby influencing adaptive immune responses. Beyond their antiviral functions, IRFs are also implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse conditions such as autoimmunity, inflammation, and cancer. This review summarizes the functions of IRFs in type I IFN gene induction, focusing on the molecular mechanisms linking PRR signaling to IRF activation. We further discuss current insights into the involvement of type I IFNs and IRFs in infectious and autoimmune disorders.