In MHV-induced encephalitis, IFIT2 is a positive regulator of IFNα/β expression rather than a direct antiviral mediator, with Ifit2-/- mice showing significantly reduced expression of IFN-α/β and the downstream ISG mRNAs (Ifit1, Isg15, and Pkr) (52). This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and viral encephalitis.