Interferon-lambda1 (interleukin-29) preferentially down-regulates interleukin-13 over other T helper type 2 cytokine responses in vitro.

Interferon (IFN)-lambda1 [interleukin (IL)-29] is a member of the interferon lambda family (also known as type III interferons), whose members are distantly related to both the type I interferons and members of the IL-10 family. While IFN-lambda1 has significant antiviral activity, it is also becoming apparent that it has important immunoregulatory properties, especially with regard to the T helper type 2 (Th2) response. Previously, we have shown that IFN-lambda1 is capable of down-regulating IL-13 production in an IFN-gamma-independent manner and that this is mediated in part via monocyte-derived dendritic cells.