Proteins of this family play an important role in inducing non-specific resistance against a broad range of viral infections. They also affect cell proliferation and modulate immune responses. Produced by peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphoblastoid cells, IFNa is an acid stable molecule that signals through IFNa/bR, which is also used by IFN-b. Both IFNs have similar anti-viral activity and regulate expression of MHC class I antigens. IFN-a contains four highly conserved cysteine residues which form two disulfide bonds, one of which is necessary for biological activity. Recombinant protein corresponding to human IFN-a (2a), containing 166 amino acid residues, expressed in E. coli Biological Activity: Determined by a cytotoxicity assay using human TF-1 cells Amino Acid Sequence: MCDLPQTHSL GSRRTLMLLA QMRKISLFSC LKDRHDFGFP QEEFGNQFQK AETIPVLHEM IQQIFNLFST KDSSAAWDET LLDKFYTELY QQLNDLEACV IQGVGVTETP LMKEDSILAV RKYFQRITLY LKEKKYSPCA WEVVRAEIMR SFSLSTNLQE SLRSKE Storage and Stability: Lyophilized and reconstituted products are stable for 12 months after receipt at -20C. Reconstitute with sterile ddH2O. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
