Cancer cell-intrinsic type 1 interferon: production, signaling, and outcomes within sex-biased, female malignancies.

Type 1 interferons (IFN-1), such as IFN-α and IFN-β, are the most well-studied interferon class due to their abundant expression, widespread signaling, and potent immunomodulatory functions. Although the role of these cytokines in mediating antiviral defense responses and immune activation has been well-studied, recent studies have suggested they play a more nuanced role in directing cell-autonomous responses in cancer. The role of cancer cell-autonomous IFN-1 production and signaling is complex and context dependent. IFN-1 has been shown to participate in both tumor-suppressing and -promoting activities based on the intensity and duration of the IFN-1 signal received. The cell-intrinsic roles appear to be immune-independent, mediating cancer cell responses to traditional therapies and regulating tumor progression. This review aimed to summarize the various roles of IFN-1 in cancer, with a focus on female-related malignancies-including ovarian, breast, cervical, and endometrial cancers-emphasizing the molecular mechanisms surrounding IFN-1 production and signaling, downstream functional outcomes, and therapeutic implications essential to understanding the pro- and antitumor roles of IFN-1.