IRF7

IRF7, or interferon regulatory factor 7, is a transcription factor critical for innate immune responses, particularly antiviral defense. It is activated by pattern recognition receptors like TLRs and RLRs, leading to phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, where it induces type I interferon (IFN-α/β) and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Key signaling pathways include the MyD88-dependent and TRIF-dependent pathways, as well as the RIG-I/MDA5 pathway.
Dysregulation of IRF7 is linked to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and interferonopathies, while impaired function increases susceptibility to viral infections. Emerging therapeutic strategies target IRF7 modulation, with small molecule agonists and antisense oligonucleotides under preclinical evaluation for viral diseases and autoimmune disorders, respectively.