Interferon alpha-6 (IFNA6)

Interferon alpha-6 (IFNA6) is a cytokine and a member of the type I interferon family, encoded by the IFNA6 gene on chromosome 9[1][2][5][6]. Produced predominantly by macrophages, it exhibits strong antiviral and immunomodulatory activities by activating type I interferon receptor complexes, leading to induction of antiviral enzymes such as protein kinase and oligoadenylate synthetase[1][3]. IFNA6 is involved in immune responses including lymphocyte activation, B cell differentiation, cell cycle arrest (via suppression of cyclin D3 and cdc25A), and defense against viral infections[2][5][6]. It has roles in various diseases related to infection and inflammation, and abnormal IFNA6 signaling has implications in disorders such as anogenital venereal wart and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children[2]. No drugs are known to specifically and uniquely target IFNA6, but general type I interferon-based therapies interact with the same receptor complex as IFNA6[3].

Other names

Interferon alpha-6IFNA6IFN-alpha-6IFN-alphaKLeIF KInterferon alpha-54Interferon alpha-Kinterferon alpha-54leIF K

Activation of type I interferon receptor, Induction of antiviral state, Upregulation of innate immune responses, Suppression of cell proliferation