Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Analysis Note

The biological activity is determined in the cytopathic effect inhibition assay using rat epithelial-like (RATEC) cells with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in the presence of 2mM glutathione. The cytopathic effect of 50% is produced with ~1 unit/mL interferon. Since there is no international rat interferon α standard, units are determined with respect to the NIH international standard reference for mouse interferon α/β.

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.

Interferon α play a key role in the inhibition of in vitro proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors. It mediates the regulation of gene expression that is responsible for development and functionality of innate and adaptive immunity. It has been used as myelosuppressive agent for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

General description

Interferon α is a cytokine, that belongs to type I interferon (IFNs) family. It possesses 14 genes, including 2 pseudo-genes or allelic forms that encodes for 13 proteins. It is mainly induced in response to viral infection. It is a non-leukemogenic peptide.

Physical form

Lyophilized from a solution containing citric acid buffered saline (CBS pH 5.0) and 125 mM trehalose