Work

Interferon-Induced Protein 6 (IFI6): Biological Functions, Molecular Mechanisms and Pathological Roles in Human Diseases

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Interferon (IFN)-induced protein 6 (IFI6) is an important member of the IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) family. It plays significant roles in anti-apoptosis, immune regulation, maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis, antiviral defense, and tumor progression. At the molecular mechanism level, IFI6 inhibits mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation. It also regulates the balance between B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), activates the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) pathways, and upregulates the ferroptosis-related proteins solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), thereby enhancing cell survival and proliferation through multiple pathways. In terms of immune regulation, IFI6 is associated with immune cells (such as T/B cells, etc.) and the tumor microenvironment. IFI6 regulates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, influencing respiratory chain assembly and metabolism. In terms of viral infection, IFI6 may inhibit the replication of multiple viruses (such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), SARS-CoV-2, etc.) by inhibiting flavivirus-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) invagination, interfering with retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor signaling pathways, and inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase activity. In addition, IFI6 is highly expressed in autoimmune diseases and malignant tumors and is associated with proliferation, metastasis, and poor prognosis. In this review, we aim to highlight IFI6 as a potential key target in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms27209340

Authors: Jingyu Yang, Yuehong Chen, Yulin Zhang, Qibing Xie, Geng Yin

Language: English

Topic: interferon and immune responses

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China