The gene IFN-α2a (interferon α 2a) is mapped to human chromosome 9. The encoded protein is a type 1 interferon and a glycoprotein. It belongs to the class of cytokines. Recombinant human IFN-α 2a is a single, non-glycosylated, polypeptide chain with a molecular mass 19.4kDa containing 166 amino acid residues. Interferon-α-2a, a recombinant interferon-a, is expressed in Escherichia coli. It is eliminated majorly via renal catabolism. However, hepatic and biliary elimination comprise the minor pathways.

IFN-α2a (interferon α 2a)-human has been used to study heterosexual transmission of subtype C HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-1.

IFN-alpha 2a human has been used:

• as standard protein in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and reducing and non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for characterizing recombinant consensus interferon (rh cIFN)
• as a supplement in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 medium for studying interferon resistance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
• to treat hepatocytes to test its effect on signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mRNA levels and cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 2 (CYP1A2) expression
• to stimulate human monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs)

IFN-α2a (interferon α 2a) is a lymphoid factor that possesses potent anti-viral activity. It mainly interacts with cell surface-specific receptors. This interaction is responsible for anti-pathogenic response in cells. IFN-α2a also exhibits anti-tumor activities. Humans with brain tumor were shown to have mutations in this gene. Interferon-α-2a (IFN-a 2A) favors 2′5′-oligoadenylate synthetase and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase induction to target viral mRNA and protein synthesis. IFN-α 2A exhibits immunomodulatory effects, inducing cytokines and other interferon production. It also increases natural killer and cytotoxic T cell activity, as well as histocompatibility complex antigen expression. It may be beneficial for treating hepatic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis D.

Lyophilized without any additives.

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1 mg/mL. This solution can then be diluted into other aqueous buffers.