Interferon alpha-4 (IFNA4)

Interferon alpha-4 is a member of the type I interferon family, produced primarily by macrophages in response to pathogens—especially viruses. It is a cytokine that exerts potent antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative effects by signaling through the type I interferon receptor, initiating the JAK/STAT pathway and inducing downstream antiviral proteins including protein kinase and oligoadenylate synthetase. While multiple IFN-alpha isoforms exist and most clinical drugs use IFN-alpha2, IFNA4 shares the core biological actions of the interferon family in defense against infection, immune regulation, and cell signaling[2][4][1][7]. Its therapeutic targeting and clinical safety profile are comparable to other type I interferons, though IFNA4 itself is not a dominant pharmaceutical isoform.

Other names

Interferon alpha-4IFNA4IFN-alpha-4IFN-alpha4aInterferon alpha-4BInterferon alpha-76Interferon alpha-M1INFA4MGC142200

Stimulation of immune response through IFNAR signaling (JAK/STAT pathway activation) Direct inhibition of viral replication through enzyme induction Modulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and signaling pathways (including MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR)