Type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) complex (IFNAR (complex); IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 (subunits))

The Type I interferon receptor complex is a heterodimeric membrane receptor consisting of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits. Both subunits belong to the class II cytokine receptor family and feature extracellular ligand binding domains, transmembrane regions, and cytoplasmic signaling domains. Upon binding type I interferons (including IFN-α and IFN-β), IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 dimerize and activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This leads to transcriptional activation of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes conferring antiviral protection, immune modulation, and anti-proliferative effects. The complex is targeted therapeutically in viral infection, cancer, and certain autoimmune conditions

Other names

Type I interferon receptorIFNAR complexInterferon alpha/beta receptorIFN-alpha/beta receptorInterferon receptor 1/2

Ligand binding (IFN-α or IFN-β) triggers heterodimerization of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 - Activation of JAK1 and TYK2 kinases - Phosphorylation and dimerization of STAT proteins - Induction of transcription of interferon-stimulated genes, leading to antiviral and immunomodulatory effects