Recombinant Human IFN-alpha-7 protein (denatured) (His tag N-Terminus)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

IFN-alpha-7 also known as interferon alpha-7 is a member of the type I interferon family involved in antiviral defense. It has a molecular mass of approximately 19.2 kDa. This protein is mainly expressed in cells of the immune system such as leukocytes. IFN-alpha-7 binds to the interferon alpha/beta receptor initiating signal transduction pathways that lead to the expression of genes with antiviral properties.

Biological function summary

IFN-alpha-7 plays a role in modulating immune responses and has significant antiviral and antiproliferative effects. As part of the type I interferon family it acts in a complex network of proteins to inhibit viral replication and activate immune cells. It enhances the expression of MHC class I molecules facilitating the recognition of infected cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and induces apoptosis in virus-infected cells.

Pathways

IFN-alpha-7 participates in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway a critical mechanism for cytokine signal transduction. Upon binding to its receptor IFN-alpha-7 activates Janus kinases (JAKs) which in turn phosphorylate STAT proteins. These phosphorylated STAT proteins dimerize and translocate to the nucleus to activate the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Proteins such as STAT1 and STAT2 work alongside IFN-alpha-7 in this pathway to regulate immune responses.

IFN-alpha-7 is associated with various viral infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C and it can also have implications in autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In these contexts IFN-alpha-7 works closely with other cytokines in the immune response. For example in hepatitis infections it can be involved in the immune system’s efforts to clear the virus and in SLE it may contribute to the pathology through the overactivation of the immune response alongside proteins like IFN-alpha-2 and other type I interferons.