Interferon lambda in anti-viral defense and cancer: dual roles, mechanism and therapeutic potential

Abstract Background The type III interferon family, known as interferon lambda (IFN-λ), consists of four isoforms (IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2, IFN-λ3, and IFN-λ4) and plays essential roles in immune responses. It mediates anti-viral and anti-tumoral activities and is distinguished from type I and type II interferons (IFNs) by its interaction with a unique receptor complex involving IFN-λR1 and IL-10 Rβ predominantly expressed on epithelial cells and selected immune cell populations. This interaction results