IFNA7

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

IFNA7 is a gene in humans that encodes the alpha 7 subunit of interferon (IFN). Interferons are proteins released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and also tumor cells. They allow communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that eradicate pathogens or tumors.

Function[edit | edit source]

The protein encoded by the IFNA7 gene is a member of the interferon family. Interferons are widely known for their antiviral activities, and they also have antiproliferative and immunomodulatory functions. The alpha interferons, including IFNA7, are produced mainly by plasmacytoid dendritic cells, a type of white blood cell. They are a part of the innate immune response and exert their effects through a signal transduction pathway that is initiated by binding to their specific cell surface receptors.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Interferons, including IFNA7, have therapeutic applications in the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as viral infections, cancers, and autoimmune disorders. They are used in the treatment of hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus (HPV), and certain types of cancer, including melanoma, leukemia, and lymphoma.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

  • IFNA7 at the National Center for Biotechnology Information
IFNA7 Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD