Type I interferon (IFNs) engage a common receptor complex to elicit the characteristic antiviral, anti proliferative and immunomodulatory responses associated with these cytokines. Due to the biological responses evoked by Type I IFNs, they have been useful in the treatment of viral infections and neoplasias. There is renewed interest in exploring the biology of Type I IFNs based on recent findings that implicate this family of cytokines in the regulation of responses that bridge innate and adaptive immunity. The primary objectives of this work are to further the understanding of Type I IFN interactions with the Type I IFN receptor complex and to create and evaluate the next generation of IFN molecules and IFN mimetics. ...