Rat Interferon Alpha 5 (IFNa5) Protein

Background

Interferon Alpha 5 (IFNA5) is a member of the type I interferon family and plays a vital role in innate and adaptive immune responses. IFNA5 is secreted by immune cells like dendritic cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes in response to viral infections, double-stranded RNA, or other pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Once released, IFNA5 binds to the interferon-alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR), initiating a signaling cascade through the JAK-STAT pathway. This cascade induces the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes, which activate antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. These effects include inhibition of viral replication, increased antigen presentation, and activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. While not as widely studied as IFNA2, IFNA5 may have tissue-specific or pathogen-specific roles, contributing to its nuanced function within the immune system.