Role of type I interferons in inflammasome activation, cell death, and disease during microbial infection

Interferons (IFNs) were discovered over a half-century ago as antiviral factors. The role of type I IFNs has been studied in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic microbial infections. Deregulated type I IFN production results in a damaging cascade of cell death, inflammation, and immunological host responses that can lead to tissue injury and disease progression. Here, we summarize the role of type I IFNs in the regulation of cell death and disease during different microbial infections, ranging from viruses and bacteria to fungal pathogens. Understanding the specific mechanisms driving type I IFN-mediated cell death and disease could aid in the development of targeted therapies.