Interferon alfa

Interferon alfa is a type I interferon that activates novel genes and exerts potent antiviral and antiproliferative activity on target cells. Signaling by Interferon alfa requires receptor-dependent activation of Stat1 and Stat2 to form a heterodimeric STAT that binds to the DNA-binding protein IRF-9 (p48) and forms ISGF-3 (IFN-stimulated gene factor 3). The driver genes are then further activated by ISGF-3 to achieve antiviral function.