Mechanisms of inhibition of the host interferon α/β-mediated antiviral responses by viruses

Complex multicellular organisms have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to prevent and control infection by pathogens. Among these mechanisms, the type I interferon or interferon α/β system represents one of the first lines of defense against viral infections. Typically, viral infection induces the synthesis and secretion of interferon α/β by the infected cell, which in turn activates signaling pathways leading to an antiviral state. As a counter measure, many viruses have developed intriguing mechanisms to evade the interferon α/β system of the host. In this review, we will summarize recent research developments in this interesting field of virus-host cell interactions.