Decoding Human IFN-Alpha Subtype-PBL Assay Science Newsletter

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Decoding Human IFN-Alpha Subtype-PBL Assay Science Newsletter

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2025 年 2 月 3 日

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Decoding Human IFN-Alpha Subtype Receptor Binding Affinities and Biological Functions

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of mammalian cytokines initially characterized by their ability to inhibit viral infection. In addition to their antiviral properties, IFNs have also been shown to exhibit antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, and neuroinflammatory activities.

In humans, IFN-alpha consists of a group of proteins that are greater than 85% homologous by amino acid sequence. Encoded by a gene cluster on chromosome 9, there exist 12 distinct human IFN-alpha subtypes that include IFN-α1, IFN-α2, IFN-α4, IFN-α5, IFN-α6, IFN-α7, IFN-α8, IFN-α10, IFN-α14, IFN-α16, IFN-α17, and IFN-α21. Despite their structural similarities, these subtypes have long been understood to have differing activities in a variety of assay systems. These variations contribute to the diverse responses initiated by the immune system to combat pathogens and regulate immune processes effectively.

All IFN-alpha subtypes signal through the IFN-alpha/beta Receptor complex that is composed of two subunits, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. Binding to this receptor complex varies differently among the IFN-alpha subtypes and contributes to the diverse immune responses. The table below summarizes some of the biological features of the subtypes as well as their binding affinities to the IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 receptor subunits.

With the yin-yang role that IFN-alpha may play in different diseases, understanding their subtype-specific functions, receptor interactions, and clinical applications is essential for advancing therapeutic strategies.

Additional Readings:

Lavoie, T et al., (2011), “Binding and activity of all human alpha interferon subtypes”, Cytokine, 56(2):282, DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.07.019
Fox, L. E. et al., (2020), “Context Is Key: Delineating the Unique Functions of IFNα and IFNβ in Disease”, Front Immunol., 1:606874, DOI: 10.3389/fimmun.2020.606874
Wittling, M.C. et al., (2021), “Shared and Unique Features of Human Interferon-Beta and Interferon-Alpha Subtypes”, Front Immunol., 11:605673, DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.605673
Li, Y. et al., (2023), “An extracellular humanized IFNAR immunocompetent mouse model for analyses of human interferon alpha subtypes”, Emerg Microbes Infect, 13(1):2287681, DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2287681

PBL Assay Science provides a comprehensive set of highly active Human Type I IFNs, including all 12 human IFN-alpha subtypes that can be purchased as a set or individually to fit your research needs.

With 35 years of experience manufacturing IFN proteins for life science research, PBL maintains superior quality standards to ensure that our proteins exhibit lot-to-lot consistency, high levels of bioactivity, high purity, and low endotoxin levels. Download our Product Information Sheet below and see what sets PBL Assay Science IFN proteins apart.

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*For Custom and Bulk products, please contact us at info@pblassaysci.com

Recent highlights on efforts to improve and expand the use of interferon in various medical applications:

Breakthrough in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: Heligenics, Inc. (Las Vegas, NV) has made significant strides in interferon beta therapies for multiple sclerosis. Using their GigaAssay technology, they identified numerous promising biobetter and biosimilar sequences, potentially improving the effectiveness and reducing the cost of these treatments. (link)
Commitment to Interferon Production: PharmaEssentia (Burlington, MA), has committed to maintaining interferon production amid reported shortages of Pegasys (peginterferon alfa2a). Their established manufacturing network aims to meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients during this period. (link)
Innovative Cancer Research: Recent studies have explored the use of interferon in sensitizing pancreatic cancer to immunotherapy. This research suggests that folic acid treatment could help the immune system penetrate pancreatic cancer’s protective shell, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy. (link)