Interferon Lambda 2 (IFNL2) Antibody

Background

Interferon Lambda 2 (IFNL2), also known as IL-28A, is part of the Type III interferon family, a group of cytokines that play crucial roles in the innate immune response, particularly in antiviral defense. Type III interferons, which include IFNL1 (IL-29), IFNL2 (IL-28A), IFNL3 (IL-28B), and IFNL4, are structurally distinct from Type I interferons (e.g., IFN-α and IFN-β) but share similar antiviral functions. The key difference between Type I and Type III interferons lies in their receptor usage and the cell types they target. IFNL2 acts by stimulating the immune response primarily in epithelial cells, which form a protective barrier in various organs, including the lungs, intestines, and liver. This makes it particularly important in defending against viral infections that enter the body via mucosal surfaces, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. IFNL2 has been shown to restrict the replication of viruses like hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2, making it an essential player in antiviral immunity.