Type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR)

The Type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR) is a heterodimeric cell surface receptor consisting of the IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits, expressed on nearly all nucleated cells. It serves as the primary mediator for Type 1 interferons, a group of cytokines including IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-omega, and IFN-kappa, which are essential for innate antiviral immunity and immune modulation (Source: UniProt P17181, P48551). Upon ligand binding, the receptor activates Janus kinases (JAK1 and TYK2), which subsequently phosphorylate STAT proteins to initiate the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) (Source: PubMed PMC4049495). In therapeutic contexts, recombinant Type 1 interferons are used as agonists to treat chronic viral infections like Hepatitis B and C, as well as certain cancers and multiple sclerosis (Source: StatPearls NBK526018). Conversely, overproduction of Type 1 interferons is linked to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), leading to the development of receptor-blocking antibodies like anifrolumab (Source: FDA Label for Saphnelo). Monitoring the Type 1 interferon gene signature is often used as a biomarker to assess pathway activation and treatment response in clinical settings (Source: PubMed PMC7346514).

Other names

Interferon-alpha/beta receptorIFN-alpha/beta receptorIFNAR1/IFNAR2 complexType I interferon receptorType 1 interferon

Agonism of the receptor activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway to induce an antiviral state and inhibit cell proliferation, while antagonism blocks the binding of Type 1 interferons to reduce chronic inflammatory signaling in autoimmune diseases.