IFNA1 Gene (Interferon Alpha 1): Function, Expression, and Clinical Significance | Biomedical Resource

The IFNA1 gene encodes a member of the type I interferon family, specifically interferon alpha-1 (IFN-alpha-1). This secreted cytokine is produced primarily by plasmacytoid dendritic cells and macrophages in response to viral infection or other stimuli. IFN-alpha-1 binds to the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR), a heterodimer of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, triggering the JAK-STAT signaling cascade. This activation leads to the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that mediate antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects. IFNA1 is crucial for innate immunity against viral pathogens and plays a role in tumor surveillance.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction

• JAK-STAT signaling pathway

• Influenza A

• Hepatitis C

• Measles

• Herpes simplex infection

• Toll-like receptor signaling pathway

• RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway

• Cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway

Interferon alpha-1 (IFNA1) is a 189-amino acid precursor protein with a 23-amino acid signal peptide, resulting in a mature secreted protein of 166 amino acids. It belongs to the type I interferon family and shares structural homology with other IFN-alpha subtypes. The protein folds into a bundle of five alpha-helices. It exerts its biological effects by binding to the heterodimeric IFNAR receptor complex, leading to the activation of receptor-associated JAK1 and TYK2 kinases. This triggers the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 and STAT2, which, together with IRF9, form the ISGF3 transcription factor complex. ISGF3 binds to interferon-stimulated response elements (ISREs) in the promoters of hundreds of ISGs, inducing a wide range of antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory proteins. IFNA1 is a critical effector of the innate immune system.