Novel functions of type I interferons revealed by infection studies with Listeria monocytogenes

Infection of cells and mice with Listeria monocytogenes stimulates production of type I interferons (IFN). These in turn sensitise the Listeria host to lethal sequelae of infection with these bacteria. Here, we summarise recent findings on the production and biological effects of type I IFN in the course of L. monocytogenes infection.