Affiliation:
1. Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
2. Laboratory of Dermatology Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu China
3. State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
Abstract
AbstractInterferons (IFNs) are signalling proteins primarily involved in initiating innate immune responses against pathogens and promoting the maturation of immune cells. Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 (IRF7) plays a pivotal role in the IFNs signalling pathway. The activation process of IRF7 is incited by exogenous or abnormal nucleic acids, which is followed by the identification via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and the ensuing signalling cascades. Upon activation, IRF7 modulates the expression of both IFNs and inflammatory gene regulation. As a multifunctional transcription factor, IRF7 is mainly expressed in immune cells, yet its presence is also detected in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and various dermal cell types. In these cells, IRF7 is critical for skin immunity, inflammation, and fibrosis. IRF7 dysregulation may lead to autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions, including systemic scleroderma (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Atopic dermatitis (AD) and Psoriasis. This comprehensive review aims to extensively elucidate the role of IRF7 and its signalling pathways in immune cells and keratinocytes, highlighting its significance in skin‐related and connective tissue diseases.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China