Interferon alpha-21 (IFNA21)

Interferon alpha-21 (IFNA21) is a type I interferon, a cytokine protein encoded by the IFNA21 gene in humans. Produced mainly by macrophages, IFNA21 exerts strong antiviral effects, interfering with viral replication by stimulating the production of antiviral enzymes and promoting an immune response. It acts on type I interferon receptors and is involved in activating natural killer cells, stimulating B cell proliferation, and the differentiation of various immune cells. IFNA21 is implicated in several disease processes, particularly viral infections and certain inflammatory syndromes. Therapeutically, interferon alphas are used for chronic viral infections and some malignancies but have notable side effects including flu-like symptoms, hematologic toxicities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and possible exacerbation of autoimmune conditions.

Other names

Interferon alpha-21IFNA21IFN-alpha-21Interferon alpha-FIFN-alphaILeIF FleIF-Fleukocyte interferon proteinIFN21

Activation of interferon alpha receptors (type I interferon receptor); Induction of antiviral gene expression; Immune system modulation via JAK-STAT signaling pathway