Interferon Alpha (IFNa) Antibody

Background

Interferon Alpha 1 (IFNA1) plays a critical role in the body's innate immune response to viral infections. It is a member of the type I interferon family and is produced by cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes in response to pathogenic challenges, including viral RNA or DNA. IFNA1 binds to the interferon-alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR) on target cells, triggering a signaling cascade that activates the JAK-STAT pathway. This leads to the transcription of numerous interferon-stimulated genes, enhancing antiviral defense mechanisms by inhibiting viral replication, promoting apoptosis of infected cells, and activating immune cells like NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. IFNA1 also plays a role in modulating the adaptive immune response by enhancing antigen presentation. Dysregulation of IFNA1 has been implicated in autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and recombinant forms of IFNA1 are used therapeutically for conditions like hepatitis B and C and certain cancers.