Elsevier created a COVID-19 resource centre in January 2020, offering free information in English and Mandarin. The centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and all research is made available in PubMed Central and other repositories for unrestricted use. The article discusses interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and their antiviral functions. ISGs are induced by type I interferons and play a key role in the innate immune response against viruses. Many ISGs have antiviral effects, while others may enhance viral replication. The article reviews recent studies identifying antiviral ISGs and their mechanisms of action. It highlights the diversity of ISG functions, including blocking viral replication, enhancing IFN production, and targeting various stages of the viral life cycle. ISGs can act independently or in combination, and their effectiveness varies. The study also discusses the complexity of the IFN system, where some ISGs may be co-opted by viruses for survival. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding ISG functions for developing antiviral therapies.Elsevier created a COVID-19 resource centre in January 2020, offering free information in English and Mandarin. The centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and all research is made available in PubMed Central and other repositories for unrestricted use. The article discusses interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and their antiviral functions. ISGs are induced by type I interferons and play a key role in the innate immune response against viruses. Many ISGs have antiviral effects, while others may enhance viral replication. The article reviews recent studies identifying antiviral ISGs and their mechanisms of action. It highlights the diversity of ISG functions, including blocking viral replication, enhancing IFN production, and targeting various stages of the viral life cycle. ISGs can act independently or in combination, and their effectiveness varies. The study also discusses the complexity of the IFN system, where some ISGs may be co-opted by viruses for survival. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding ISG functions for developing antiviral therapies.