IFN-alpha
IFN-alpha (interferon alpha 1, encoded by IFNA1) is a secreted type I interferon cytokine produced in response to viral infection, with antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory properties. It is also known as IFL, IFN, IFN-ALPHA, IFNA13 and IFN-alphaD. Browse Assay Genie's current range of IFN-alpha research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
IFN-alpha is a cytokine that forms a key part of the innate immune response to viral infection. UniProt annotates it as produced by macrophages and as having antiviral activity. Interferon stimulates the production of two enzymes: a protein kinase and an oligoadenylate synthetase. NCBI Gene describes its properties as potent antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory.
Like other type I interferons, IFN-alpha binds a plasma membrane receptor made of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. This receptor is ubiquitously expressed, so the cytokine is able to act on virtually all body cells. That broad reach is one reason type I interferon signalling is studied across so many areas of immunology and cell biology.
The IFNA1 gene is a member of the alpha interferon gene cluster on chromosome 9, and the protein belongs to the type-I (or alpha/beta) interferon family. HGNC places it in the interferons gene group, which it describes as proteins encoded by multiple genes. Aliases include IFL, IFN, IFN-ALPHA, IFNA13 and IFN-alphaD, and the mouse and rat orthologs are both named Ifna1. The cytokine is upregulated in preeclamptic placentas and is thought to be a mediator of preeclampsia, which links IFN-alpha biology to pregnancy research as well as antiviral defence.
IFN-alpha is produced in response to viral infection and is a key part of the innate immune response with potent antiviral activity.
Interferon stimulates production of a protein kinase and an oligoadenylate synthetase, making IFN-alpha relevant to studies of antiviral effector pathways.
IFN-alpha binds a receptor of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 that is ubiquitously expressed, allowing it to act on virtually all body cells.
IFN-alpha is upregulated in preeclamptic placentas and is thought to be a mediator of preeclampsia.
IFN-alpha is a secreted type I interferon produced in response to viral infection as part of the innate immune response. It has antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory properties, and interferon stimulates production of a protein kinase and an oligoadenylate synthetase.
The gene symbol is IFNA1, and the HGNC name is interferon alpha 1. Aliases include IFNA@, IFL, IFN, IFN-ALPHA, IFNA13 and IFN-alphaD. UniProt lists the protein as interferon alpha-1, a member of the type-I (alpha/beta) interferon family.
IFN-alpha binds a plasma membrane receptor made of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, which is ubiquitously expressed. Mouse and rat orthologs are both named Ifna1. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other interferons, type I interferon receptor subunits and innate immunity targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P0DY56; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.