Type-III interferon, not type-I, is the predominant interferon induced by respiratory viruses in nasal epithelial cells

► We investigated immune response in immortalized normal human nasal epithelial cells (NECs). ► IFN-λ, not IFN-β, was induced by respiratory virus infection in NECs. ► IFN-λ suppressed RS virus replication and RS virus-induced inflammatory cytokines in NECs. ► IFN-λ was suggested to contribute to first line of host defense in upper respiratory epithelium. ► The normal NECs should be useful for investigation of immune response in upper respiratory tract.