Cell type-specific interactions induce tonic interferon production in endothelial cells in a pathogen-independent manner
We propose that the upregulation of tonic IFN production by the endothelial-epithelial cell axis can contribute directly to pathogen defense and/or strengthens the innate immune response by elevated priming. While the contributing molecular signaling pathways underlying this activation have not been fully identified, this newly described mechanism has potential relevance during acute or chronic lung injuries, as it enhances the level of tonic antiviral activity. Furthermore, excessive lung inflammation in nonviral pathologies may be dampened by elevated levels of tonic IFNs.
Authors
- Tobias May (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4042-4815)
- Čičin-Šain Luka
- Ulfert Rand (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5946-4921)
- Dagmar Wirth (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2541-6251)
- Mario Köster
- Fiamma Serra
- Timothy Surette
Institutions
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (DE)
- German Center for Infection Research (DE)
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (DE)
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (DE)
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DE)
- Technische Universität Braunschweig (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cell Communication and Signaling
- Published
- 2026-01-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-026-02650-4
- Primary Topic
- interferon and immune responses
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00