This gene is a member of the alpha interferon gene cluster on the short arm of chromosome 9. Interferons are cytokines produced in response to viral infection that mediate the immune response and interfere with viral replication. The encoded protein is a type I interferon and may play a specific role in the antiviral response to rubella virus. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2011],function:Produced by macrophages, IFN-alpha have antiviral activities. Interferon stimulates the production of two enzymes: a protein kinase and an oligoadenylate synthetase.,similarity:Belongs to the alpha/beta interferon family.,
