Interferon induced transmembrane protein 4 pseudogene (IFITM4P)

Interferon induced transmembrane protein 4 pseudogene (IFITM4P) is a human pseudogene that transcribes a functional long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) but does not encode a protein product. Its primary function is as a regulator of antiviral innate immunity. Under viral infection or when induced by type I interferons, lncRNA IFITM4P acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by binding miR-24-3p, which otherwise would target and suppress the mRNAs of antiviral IFITM family members (IFITM1, IFITM2, IFITM3). By sequestering miR-24-3p, IFITM4P increases the availability and translation of these IFITM proteins, enhancing cellular antiviral defenses. IFITM4P itself is reciprocally regulated by IFITM1 and IFITM3, and both its expression and its regulatory effects are relevant during viral infection contexts, such as with influenza A virus. As a pseudogene-derived lncRNA, IFITM4P is not considered a direct therapeutic target (it does not encode a receptor, enzyme, or classic druggable protein), but rather modulates the immune response indirectly through RNA–RNA interactions. There are currently no known drugs targeting IFITM4P directly, nor are there established safety or biomarker concerns tied specifically to this lncRNA.

Other names

dJ377H14.5Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 pseudogeneIFITM4PInterferon-inducible protein 1-8U (historically referenced but not the correct name for IFITM4P)

Functions as a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) acting as a decoy for miR-24-3p, thereby upregulating IFITM1, IFITM2, and IFITM3 expression by preventing their mRNA degradation