Crosstalk between type I and II interferons in regulation of myeloid cell responses during bacterial infection

Type I and type II interferons (IFN alpha/beta and IFN gamma) are cytokines that play indispensable roles in directing myeloid cell activity during inflammatory and immune responses. Each IFN type binds a distinct receptor (IFNAR or IFNGR) to transduce signals that reshape gene expression and function of myeloid and other cell types. In the context of murine models and human bacterial infections, production of IFN gamma generally promotes resistance while production of IFN alpha/beta is associated with increased host susceptibility. Here, we review mechanisms of crosstalk between type I and II IFNs in myeloid cells and their impact on myeloid cell activation and anti-microbial function.