A novel IFN-α / β independent ligand
receptor system which upon engagement leads, among other things, to the establishment of an anti-viral state is disclosed. Further disclosed are three closely positioned genes on human
chromosome 19 that
encode distinct but highly homologous proteins, designated IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2, IFN-λ3, based, inter alia, in their ability to induce antiviral protection. Expression of these proteins is induced upon
viral infection. A
receptor complex utilized by all three IFN-λ proteins for signaling is also disclosed. The
receptor complex is generally composed of two subunits, a novel receptor designated IFN-λR1 or CRF2-12, and a second
subunit, IL-10R2 or CRF2-4, which is also a shared receptor component for the IL-10 and IL-22 receptor complexes. The
gene encoding IFN-λR1 is generally widely expressed, including many different
cell types and tissues. Expression of these proteins is induced by immune events, including, for example, upon
viral infection. Apoptotosis may also be induced under effective conditions.