IFN-α1 (interferon α 1) is a lymphoid factor th at possesses potent anti-viral activity. IFN-α1 interacts with IFNAR1 (interferon α receptor 1) and IFNAR2. The interaction activates JAK1 (janus-activated kinase 1) and tyrosine kinase 2. These events phosphorylate and activate STAT1 and STAT2 (signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins), leading to the upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes some of which encode antiviral proteins. IFN-alpha 1 (IFN-α1) mediates apoptosis in specific tissues. It may be useful in treating laryngeal carcinoma. The interaction of microRNA, miR-181b with IFN-α1, is regarded as a risk factor in systemic lupus erythematosus.
