Target intelligence / Profile preview

Interferon Alpha (IFN-α)

Target: IFN-α
Molecular classification: Cytokine, Type I Interferon, Signaling Protein

Overview

Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is a type I interferon cytokine produced by leukocytes in response to viral infections and other stimuli. It binds to the type I interferon receptor complex (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2), activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway to induce antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-proliferative effects. It is used therapeutically to treat chronic viral infections and certain cancers by stimulating the immune system.

Other names: IFNALeukocyte InterferonType I Interferon AlphaInterferon α

Mechanism of action

Interferon alpha binds to the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1/IFNAR2) on cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, leading to the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) involved in antiviral and immunomodulatory functions.

Biological functions

Antiviral defenseImmunomodulationAnti-proliferative activityActivation of NK cellsUpregulation of MHC class I moleculesTh1 immune response promotion

Disease associations

Viral infectionsChronic Hepatitis BChronic Hepatitis CHairy Cell LeukemiaCutaneous T-cell LymphomaMalignant MelanomaNon-Hodgkin's LymphomaKaposi SarcomaMetastatic Renal Cell CarcinomaMyeloproliferative Neoplasms

Safety considerations

Flu-like symptomsMyelosuppression (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia)Neuropsychiatric events (e.g., depression, anxiety)Autoimmune disordersCardiovascular eventsInjection site reactions

Interacting drugs

Interferon alfa-2a

4 more in the full profile.

Biomarkers

Viral load (e.g., HBV DNA, HCV RNA)Liver enzymes (e.g., ALT, AST)Expression levels of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs)Specific IFN-α subtypesIP-10 expression

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