Interferon regulatory factor-1 is a key transcription factor in murine beta cells under immune attack

Aims/hypothesis IFN-γ, together with other inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, contributes to beta cell death in type 1 diabetes. We analysed the role of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1, a downstream target of IFN-γ/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1, in immune-mediated beta cell destruction.