Links between innate and adaptive immunity via type I interferon

Type I interferon (IFN-α/β) is expressed rapidly following exposure to a wide variety of infectious agents and plays a key role in innate control of virus replication. Recent studies have demonstrated that dendritic cells both produce IFN-α/β and undergo maturation in response to IFN-α/β. Moreover, IFN-α/β has been shown to potently enhance immune responses in vivo through the stimulation of dendritic cells. These findings indicate that IFN-α/β serves as a signal linking innate and adaptive immunity.