Description
IFN-λs are related to type I interferons but their receptor has a more cell-restricted pattern of expression. Consequently, one can expect that IFN-λs have antiviral and anti-tumoral activities as well as immunomodulatory properties with less adverse side-effects than type I interferons. However, their roles in physiopathology and immunoregulation remain to be fully elucidated. The study under evaluation identifies that murine CD8α(+) dendritic cells and their recently described human equivalent, BDCA3(+) dendritic cells, are the major producers of IFN-λs in response to dsRNA poly I:C. This study illustrates a new function for a DC subset conserved between species. These findings may impact the development of vaccine or therapeutic strategies based on DC targeting.