Interferon alpha-inducible protein 27 (IFI27)

Interferon alpha-inducible protein 27 (IFI27) is a small hydrophobic mitochondrial protein (~12 kDa; 122 amino acids) encoded by the IFI27 gene, which is strongly upregulated in response to type I interferons (particularly IFN-alpha)[1]. It is a member of the FAM14 protein family and contains an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence[1]. IFI27 has multifaceted roles: - It acts as a pro-apoptotic factor by associating with mitochondrial membranes, contributing to changes in membrane permeability and promoting cell death in response to interferon signaling[1]. - It modulates innate immune responses during viral infection; specifically, IFI27 can dampen interferon-stimulated gene induction by binding RNA and interfering with RIG-I activation, serving as a negative feedback regulator to limit excessive inflammation[1]. - IFI27 can interact with proteins such as PACT and protein kinase R (PKR), potentiating PKR activation, leading to inhibition of cellular and viral protein translation and formation of stress granules—a process critical for antiviral defense[2][3]. IFI27 is highly expressed during severe viral infections and acts as a marker for disease severity and progression[1]. Currently, there are no approved therapeutics directly targeting IFI27, but its function makes it an attractive candidate for further research as a therapeutic target or biomarker in infectious disease and immunology[1][3].

Other names

IFI27ISG12(a)ISG12AP27FAM14DInterferon alpha-inducible protein 27, mitochondrialInterferon-stimulated gene 12a proteinInterferon alpha-induced 11.5 kDa protein2310061N23Rik

Drugs targeting IFI27 (hypothetical/future) would likely modulate immune responses by influencing interferon signaling, PKR activation, or mitochondrial apoptosis pathways[1][2][3].