Type I interferon pathway

The Type I interferon pathway is a crucial part of the immune system's response to viral infections. When a virus infects a cell, the cell detects viral components and releases signaling proteins called interferons. These interferons alert nearby cells, prompting them to activate defenses that prevent the virus from spreading. The pathway involves a series of molecular signals that amplify this alert, leading to the production of antiviral proteins. This coordinated response helps the immune system control and eliminate viruses more effectively, playing a vital role in antiviral immunity.