IFNA1

Interferon alpha-1 (IFNA1), also known as IFNA13, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IFNA1 gene. IFNA1 belongs to the interferons (IFNs) cytokines family, which has strong antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory properties. Initially, IFNs were regarded as molecules which enable to decrease the capacity of a common virus to infect cells, a process called viral 'interference'. On account of the specific cell surface receptors they interacted, IFNs have been classified into two main types of IFNs, type I and type II. Recently, a new group of cytokines with IFN-like activities has been identified and named as type III IFNs (IFN-λ1-3).
In general, the type I IFNs bind to the interferon alpha receptor (IFNAR), which is made up of two subunits, IFNAR1 (α-subunit) and IFNAR2 (β-subunit). Besides, the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases (Janus kinase 1 and tyrosine kinase 2) offer downstream signaling after type I IFN binds to the IFNAR receptor. Importantly, the biological effects of IFNs are regulated by the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway.
Gene ID: 3439
UniProt ID: P01562