Recombinant human Interferon alpha 2 protein

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Interferon alpha 2 also known as IFN alpha 2 or IFN alpha 2a/b is a type of cytokine that plays a critical role in the immune response. It is a smaller protein weighing approximately 19.5 kDa mainly expressed by leukocytes such as macrophages and dendritic cells. This protein exhibits antiviral antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities by binding to specific receptors on target cells. Researchers often study interferon alpha through recombinant protein studies which can be simulated by companies like PeproTech. Additionally ELISA assays facilitate the quantitative measurement of interferon alpha levels in various biological samples.

Biological function summary

Interferon alpha 2 engages in complex signaling with other immune factors to establish an antiviral state in cells. This protein binds to the IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 receptor complex initiating a cascade that activates genes responsible for immune defense. By doing so it triggers the transcription of various antiviral proteins and enhances the activity of immune cells including natural killer cells and macrophages. Its function is also evaluated in reconstitution studies such as PeproTech's IL-2 reconstitution to investigate broader immune functions.

Pathways

Researchers observe interferon alpha 2 predominantly within the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This pathway is vital in transmitting the extracellular signal through to the gene transcription process leading to an appropriate immune response. STAT proteins such as STAT1 and STAT2 form a transcription complex following activation by JAK kinases. Interferon alpha 2's interactions in the pathway exemplify how this cytokine links with other components for immune regulation coordinating with other proteins like ISGF3 to amplify antiviral responses.

Scientists associate interferon alpha 2 with chronic viral infections and certain cancers. For example its therapeutic application has been prominent in treating hepatitis C and some hematological malignancies. In viral infections interferon alpha inhibits viral replication and enhances antiviral immunity. In cancer it suppresses cell proliferation and regulates immune surveillance. The protein's levels and activity can correlate with pathological states influenced by other proteins such as IFN-lambda and TNF-alpha highlighting its role in disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.