Our data suggest an important protective role of type I IFN responses in the protective host response against yeast via: (1) stimulating the production of various functional cytokines by up-regulating IL-2 related cellular immunity and the IL-17 pathway; (2) increasing the secretion of vaginal epithelial-derived IgG, regulating antibody-mediated protection which plays an indispensable role in mucosal immunity against vaginitis; (3) effectively inhibiting the adhesion, hyphal formation, and proliferation of C. albicans; and (4) enhancing the mobility and the repair ability of the VECs. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is vaginitis.