Human Interleukin 29, IL-29 ELI

Cytokine with antiviral, antitumour and immunomodulatory activities.

Plays a critical role in the antiviral host defense, predominantly in the epithelial tissues.

Acts as a ligand for the heterodimeric class II cytokine receptor composed of IL10RB and IFNLR1, and receptor engagement leads to the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway resulting in the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG), which mediate the antiviral state.

Has a restricted receptor distribution and therefore restricted targets: is primarily active in epithelial cells and this cell type-selective action is because of the epithelial cell-specific expression of its receptor IFNLR1.

Exerts an immunomodulatory effect by up-regulating MHC class I antigen expression.