An overview of the human immune system and the role of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs)

Abstract

The immune system consists of a dynamic network of cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that communicate to provide adequate defense responses against pathogenic agents. The immune system divide into the non-specific (innate) and the specific (adaptive) components, where the interactions between these two arms are intricately regulated. To deploy effective immune responses, immune systems comprise various cells and molecules that communicate with each other via signaling pathways coordinated by gene regulatory networks. The interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are critical regulators of both the immune system’s development and activation of different cells. To better understand the essential components of the normal immune system, this review essentially aims to cover the current knowledge of individual components of the immune system and the important role of IRFs in regulating the immune system.