Signalling pathways mediating type I interferon gene expression

Type I interferon-α/β play an essential role in immunity to viruses. While interferon-β has been used as a model of a complex promoter, many of the signalling pathways leading to interferon-β gene expression remain controversial. Recent milestones include the discovery of Toll-like receptors and RNA helicases that signal via a novel kinase complex composed of IκB kinase-ι/ɛ or TANK binding kinase-1. This review provides a timely summary of this rapidly expanding field, focusing specifically on the various viral RNA binding molecules and their associated signalling pathways.