[5] IRF3 is a member of the interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF) family.

[7] The complex translocates into the nucleus for the transcriptional activation of interferons alpha and beta, and further interferon-induced genes.

[8] IRF3 plays an important role in the innate immune system's response to viral infection.

[10] A 2015 study shows phosphorylation of innate immune adaptor proteins MAVS, STING and TRIF at a conserved pLxIS motif recruits and specifies IRF3 phosphorylation and activation by the Serine/threonine-protein kinase TBK1, thereby activating the production of type-I interferons.

[12] The same study identified IRF3 and the type I IFN response as a potential therapeutic target for post-myocardial infarction cardioprotection.