Differential response of polarized gut epithelial cells to type I and III interferon

Whereas most body cells respond to stimulation with type I (alpha and beta) interferon, type III (lambda) interferon was shown to specifically stimulate epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. Although both cytokines activate different receptor molecules (IFNAR versus IL-28R/IL-10R, respectively) the downstream signalling pathways and the ultimate response have been reported to be very similar. Here we examined the response of polarized gut intestinal epithelial cells to type I versus type III interferon in order to study potential differences in the transcriptional response. Comparative transcriptional analysis of polarized intestinal epithelial cells to type I interferon or type III interferon (versus unstimulated controls).