IFN-alpha2 (human, recombinant)

Interferon alpha2 (IFN-alpha2) is a member of the type I interferon family of cytokines. It is composed of an N-terminal region and five alpha helices. Following cleavage of the N-terminal region, the alpha helices are secreted and activate IFN-alpha/beta receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and IFNAR2 receptors to induce JAK and STAT signaling in immune cells. IFN-alpha2 and other IFN-alpha subtypes are transiently expressed and necessary for innate and adaptive immune responses to bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection or tumor development and progression. IFN-alpha2 induces apoptosis in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells. The levels of mRNA encoding IFN-alpha2 are increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from patients with chronic HIV infection. Cayman's IFN-alpha2 (human, recombinant) consists of 165 amino acids and has a calculated molecular weight of 19. kDa.. Protein function: Produced by macrophages, IFN-alpha have antiviral activities. [The UniProt Consortium]