While type II interferon (IFNγ) plays a crucial role in controlling intracellular pathogens and regulating tumor suppressor genes, type I (including IFNα, IFNβ, IFNω) and type III (IFNλ) interferons are the classic antiviral cytokines, triggering the expression of ISGs that combat viral infections. Here, IFNB1 is linked to viral infectious disease.