Interferons(IFNs) are a family of glycoproteins with antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities, classi-fied into type Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ based on structural and receptor specificity. Among these, type Ⅲ IFNs(IFNλs), including IFNλ1(IL-29),IFNλ2(IL-28a),andIFNλ3(IL-28b),exhibittissue-specificreceptordistribution,predominantlyexpressedinepithelialcells and select immune cells, thereby demonstrating reduced systemic side effects compared to typeⅠIFNs. Mechanistically,IFNλs exert their antiviral effects through JAK/STAT signaling pathway inducing the expression of interferon-stimulatedgenes(ISGs), and inhibit tumor cell proliferation, promote apoptosis and regulate immune responses. Recent advances inrecombinant IFNλs therapeutic development include polyethylene glycol(PEG) modified IFNλ1, a longacting formulationcurrently in phaseⅢclinical trials for hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and COVID-19. In this paper, the structures and receptors,signaling pathway and regulation, biological functions and research progress of IFNλs are summarized in order to provideinsights for the development of IFNλs related products.
10.13200/j.cnki.cjb.004486