This gene encodes a member of the interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF) family. The encoded protein is found in an inactive cytoplasmic form that upon serine/threonine phosphorylation forms a complex with CREBBP. This complex translocates to the nucleus and activates the transcription of interferons alpha and beta, as well as other interferon-induced genes. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011],function:Mediates interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) promoter activation. Functions as a molecular switch for antiviral activity. DsRNA generated during the course of an viral infection leads to IRF3 phosphorylation on the C-terminal serine/threonine cluster. This induces a conformational change, leading to its dimerization, nuclear localization and association with CREB binding protein (CREBBP) to form dsRNA-activated factor 1 (DRAF1), a complex which activates the transcription of genes under the control of ISRE. The complex binds to the IE and PRDIII regions on the IFN-alpha and IFN-beta promoters respectively. IRF-3 does not have any transcription activation domains.,PTM:Constitutively phosphorylated on many serines residues. C-terminal serine/threonine cluster is phosphorylated in response of induction by IKBKE and TBK1. Ser-385 and Ser-386 may be specifically phosphorylated in response to induction. An alternate model propose that the five serine/threonine residues between 396 and 405 are phosphorylated in response to a viral infection. Phosphorylation, and subsequent activation of IRF3 is inhibited by vaccinia virus protein E3.,similarity:Belongs to the IRF family.,similarity:Contains 1 tryptophan pentad repeat DNA-binding domain.,subcellular location:Shuttles between cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, with export being the prevailing effect. When activated, IRF3 interaction with CREBBP prevents its export to the cytoplasm.,subunit:Homodimer, phosphorylation-induced. Interacts with CREBBP. May interact with MAVS. Interacts with IKBKE and TBK1. Interacts with TICAM1 and TICAM2. Interacts with rotavirus A NSP1 (via C-terminus), this interaction leads to the proteasome-dependent degradation of IRF3.,tissue specificity:Expressed constitutively in a variety of tissues.,
