Lambda interferons (IFNLs) provide critical host defense against pathogens encountered at mucosal surfaces. In humans, IFNL signaling is regulated in part by low and cell‐type restricted expression of the lambda interferon receptor 1 protein with expression restricted primarily to epithelial cells located at mucosal surfaces. This review will examine the evidence suggesting a role for IFNLR1 transcriptional variants in mediating cell responsiveness to IFNL ligand exposure and regulation of pathway activity.