Invitrogen™ Interferon alpha-2 Monoclonal Antibody (N27)

Beschreibung

The alpha interferons are involved in virus resistance in target cells for these viruses. They are known to block cell proliferation and to regulate MHC class I antigen expression. The IFNα family has over 20 genes and pseudogenes in two families (I and II), one with a mature length of 166aa and one of 172aa. Cells producing IFNα are lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and cell lines such as Namalwa and KGI. Bioassays for IFNα include cytopathic effect blocking, by viruses such as VSV, SFV and BMCV, on their target cells. A number of receptors for IFNα are now known and seem to be expressed on most cell types. N27 is specific for human IFNα2 and does not cross react with human IFNα1. N27 reacts with linear peptide 43aa-53aa, placing the epitope outside the immunodominant regions I and II.

IFN alpha (Interferon alpha) is a Type I interferon belonging to a family of structurally related, species-specific proteins exclusive to vertebrates. The interaction of IFN-alpha with its receptor component result in the activation of a number of signaling pathways which are mainly involved in innate immune response against viral infection. In humans, the gene for IFN alpha is located on on chromosome 9. The type I interferons consist of 14 different alpha isoforms (subtypes with slightly different specificities), and single beta, omega, epsilon and kappa isoforms. Homologous molecules are found in many species, including rats and mice (and most mammals), and have been identified in birds, reptiles and fish species. IFN alpha is produced primarily by plasmacytoid dendritic cells, is a potent component of the anti-viral innate immune response and modulates adaptive immunity. Diseases associated with the dysfunction of IFN alpha include Hepatitis C and Hepatitis.