interferon kappa

Interferon kappa is a member of the type I interferon family, specifically a novel subclass mediating host defense. It consists of 207 amino acids and shares about 30% homology with other type I interferons. The gene encoding interferon kappa is located on chromosome 9 and is primarily expressed in human epidermal keratinocytes. Its expression can be induced by viral infection, double-stranded RNA exposure, or treatment with other interferons such as gamma or beta. Interferon kappa acts via the interferon-alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR), activating intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the expression of antiviral and immunomodulatory genes (interferon-stimulated genes). This results in inhibition of viral replication and modulation of immune cell activity including T cells and natural killer cells. Interferon kappa plays an important role in skin immunity, wound healing, and has been implicated in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and cutaneous lupus erythematosus[2][3][5].

Other names

IFN-kappaIFNk