Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 2 (IFITM2)

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 2 (IFITM2) is a small, type II transmembrane protein encoded by the IFITM2 gene in humans[5][8]. It belongs to the IFITM family, which is rapidly upregulated by type I and II interferons in response to viral infection or inflammation[3][5][8]. IFITM2 localizes mainly to intracellular vesicular compartments such as endosomes and lysosomes, where it blocks the fusion of many enveloped viruses with host cell membranes, thereby preventing infection at an early replication step[6][3][8]. IFITM2, along with IFITM1 and IFITM3, acts as a broad-spectrum antiviral restriction factor against influenza A virus, dengue virus, Ebola virus, SARS-CoV, and numerous other viruses[3][6]. Beyond antiviral roles, IFITM2 is overexpressed in certain cancers—such as colorectal cancer—where it promotes tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion, mainly via PI3K/AKT signaling pathways[2]. IFITM2 is investigated as a potential prognostic marker for cancer and may have utility in immuno-oncology due to its regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses[1][2]. No drugs have been approved to specifically target IFITM2, but its cell surface or endosomal expression (depending on cell context) and its role as a determinant of cellular susceptibility to infection and tumor progression make it a potential therapeutic target under active preclinical investigation[1][2][6][8].

Other names

IFITM21-8DDSPA2cinterferon induced transmembrane protein 2

Inhibition of viral fusion with host endosomal or plasma membranes; Blockade of early stage of viral replication; Modulation of PI3K/AKT pathway (in cancer settings)