Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Analysis Note

The biological activity is determined in the cytopathic effect inhibition assay using MDBK cells with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). A cytopathic effect of 50% is produced with 1 unit/ml interferon. The units are determined with respect to WHO International standard reference for human interferonαA.

Application

Interferon-αA human has been used to:study the effect of Chikungunya virus on interferon-mediated JAK (Janus kinase)-STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) signalingstudy the effect of interferon-α and PRK2 (protein kinase C-related kinase 2) inhibitors on hepatitis C virus replicationcompare the effect of Monascus pigment derivatives on hepatitis C virus replication

Biochem/physiol Actions

Cytokine with anti-viral, anti-proliferative, immunoregulatory, and proinflammatory activities. Type I Interferons are a closely related family of 165-172 amino acid proteins that are produced by leukocytes (α subtypes), fibroblasts (β subtypes), lymphocytes (Ω subtypes) and ruminant embryos (τ subtypes). Interferon induces a variety of effects on target cells including antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities.

Physical form

Supplied as a solution in 5 mM sodium acetate, pH 4.0.