IRF3

Interferon regulatory factor 3, also known as IRF3, is an is_associated_with::interferon regulatory factor.

Function
IRF3 is a member of the interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF) family. IRF3 was originally discovered as a is_associated_with::homolog of is_associated_with::IRF1 and is_associated_with::IRF2. IRF3 has been further characterized and shown to contain several functional domains including a nuclear export signal, a is_associated_with::DNA-binding domain, a is_associated_with::C-terminal IRF association domain and several regulatory is_associated_with::phosphorylation sites. IRF3 is found in an inactive cytoplasmic form that upon serine/threonine phosphorylation forms a complex with CREBBP. This complex translocates to the nucleus and activates the transcription of interferons alpha and beta, as well as other interferon-induced genes.

IRF3 plays an important role in the is_associated_with::innate immune system's response to is_associated_with::viral infection. Aggregated MAVS have been found to activate IRF3 dimerization.



Interactions
IRF3 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::IRF7.