human interferon omega-1

Human interferon omega‑1 is a type I interferon cytokine, structurally related to human interferons alpha and beta but antigenically distinct. It is encoded by the single functional gene IFNW1 in humans and is secreted as a monomeric glycoprotein by virus-infected leukocytes. Human interferon omega‑1 binds to the type I interferon receptor complex (interferon alpha/beta receptor, composed of subunits IFNAR1 and IFNAR2), triggering downstream signaling that induces expression of numerous antiviral proteins (interferon-stimulated genes). Its biological effects include potent antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation in vitro, stimulation of natural killer cell activity, enhancement of MHC class I antigen expression, and immunomodulation. While it has demonstrated reductions in hepatitis C virus RNA levels in clinical trials and antitumor effects in preclinical models, its physiological role remains incompletely defined. It has not been approved for therapeutic use in humans but has been explored for investigational applications including viral infections and cancer[2][5][6][9].

Brand names

Caniferon

Other names

Human interferon omega 1Human interferon omega-1IFN-wIFNW1IFNW-1IFNW 1