Six Cytokine Families

For Immunology Chapter 4 Day 2

1. Why is it important for type I interferon (IFN-I) to act in both autocrine and paracrine fashions? What types of infectious diseases would be targeted by IFN-I vs IFN-II?  Where does the signal to induce IFN-I occur?
2. How is the JAK-STAT pathway different than the pathways using ITAMs such as BCR- and TCR-mediated signaling?
3. Briefly mention the primary purpose of the following TNF family members:

• TNFalpha
• BAFF
• APRIL
• Fas
• CD40

4. Provide a summary of the pro-apoptotic pathway that is initiated by some TNF family members such as Fas and TNFα. Describe general themes rather than a detailed “play-by-play” description.
5. Compare and contrast general themes in NF-B activation via IL-1/TNF/IL-17 pathways (example: TRAFs as a common molecule) versus BCR/TCR/chemokine pathways (example: PLCs as a common molecule).
6. When scientists say “IL-17”, they are more often than not referring to IL-17A and/or IL17F. Describe the dimers formed by these molecules and the structure of their receptor.  What are the three pathways described to be downstream of IL-17A/F binding and spend some time focusing on pathway #2.