IFN-K

IFN-K (interferon-α kinoid) is an immunotherapeutic vaccine designed to induce neutralizing antibodies against type I interferons, particularly targeting the activity of endogenous type I interferons such as IFN-α. It is a recombinant protein-based therapeutic that acts by stimulating the immune system to generate anti-interferon antibodies. The mechanism of action involves binding and neutralization of type I interferons (mainly IFN-α), thereby reducing their downstream signaling through the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1/2) and subsequent activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. This leads to decreased expression of genes associated with the "interferon signature," which is implicated in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In clinical studies for SLE, administration of IFN-K resulted in significant reduction in the expression of these genes and induced neutralizing anti–IFN-α2b antibodies[4][8]. The drug has shown an acceptable safety profile in phase IIb trials.

Brand names

IFN-K

Other names

interferon kappainterferon-κIFNKinterferon-alpha kinoid