Evangelos Andreakos (Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens) is our guest.

Lambda interferons (IFNλs, type III IFNs or interleukins-28/29) were described 20 years ago as novel cytokines sharing functional and structural homology with type I IFNs and IL-10, respectively. IFNλs engage a unique receptor complex comprising IFNLR1 and IL10R2, nevertheless they share signaling cascade and many functions with type I IFNs, making difficult the dissection of their unique non-redundant roles and overall biological importance.

We will present the latest evidence establishing the primacy of IFNλs in front line protection in the respiratory tract, mediating antiviral immunity before type I IFNs. We will also discuss their emerging role in regulating inflammation and limiting host damage, acting as dual function cytokines engaged in antiviral responses and damage control. Finally, we will consider their broader functions beyond antiviral immunity and host defense.