The full-length cDNA and the promoter sequences of grass carp IRF3 were cloned and identified.
CiIRF3 had a conserved DNA binding domain (DBD), an IRF association domain (IAD) and shared high homology with CaIRF3.
CiIRF3 was ubiquitously expressed at low level but was obviously up-regulated under the induction of Poly I:C.
CiIRF3 bound to CiIRF1, CiIRF2, CiIRF3 and CiIRF7 promoters with high affinity.
CiIRF3 acted as a positive regulator for the transcription of CiIRF1, CiIRF2, CiIRF3 and CiIRF7.