Interferon alpha-inducible protein 6 (IFI6)

Interferon alpha-inducible protein 6 (IFI6) is a hydrophobic protein (~13 kDa, 130 amino acids) mostly localized to the mitochondrial membrane or endoplasmic reticulum, and is a member of the FAM14 family of interferon-stimulated genes[1][2]. It plays a critical role in regulating host innate immunity, especially by negatively modulating type I interferon pathways and inhibiting RIG-I activation. IFI6 is an anti-apoptotic protein that stabilizes mitochondrial membrane potential and blocks cytochrome c release during some viral infections[1][2]. It is highly induced by interferon alpha, contributing to the host defense against RNA and DNA viruses including hepatitis B virus, Influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and Dengue virus[2][3]. IFI6 suppresses viral replication partly by preventing formation of virus-induced replication organelles and by binding to viral gene promoters (e.g., HBV EnhII/Cp)[2][3]. Experimental knockout or knockdown of IFI6 heightens interferon-stimulated antiviral and inflammatory responses, while overexpression suppresses them and inhibits specific viral replication, making IFI6 an attractive molecular target for novel antiviral and immune-modulating therapies[1][2][3].

Other names

G1P3ISG16IFI6-16Ifi-6-16IFI616FAM14C6-16Interferon-induced protein 6-16interferon alpha-inducible protein clone IFI-6-16

Experimental gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9 knockout/knockdown); Overexpression via plasmids for inhibition of viral replication in cell and animal models