All known subtypes of IFN-alpha show the same antiviral antiparasitic, antiproliferative activities. Human IFN-alpha is also a potent antiviral substance in murine, porcine, and bovine cell systems. IFN-alpha forms are produced by monocytes/macrophages, lymphoblastoid cells, fibroblasts, and a number of different cell types following induction by viruses, nucleic acids, glucocorticoid hormones, and low-molecular weight substances. All IFN-alpha subtypes possess a common conserved sequence region between amino acid positions 115-151 while the amino- terminal ends are variable. Many IFN-alpha subtypes differ in their sequences at only one or two positions. IFN-alpha and IFN-beta are thought to bind to the same receptor. Signal transduction mechanisms elicited after binding of IFN-alpha to its receptors involves tyrosine phosphorylation of various non-receptor tyrosine kinases belonging to the Janus kinases. Recombinant protein corresponding to the full length of the mature protein, aa24-188, from human Interferon-alpha 2b (IFN2b), expressed in E. coli. Uniprot/Accession: P01563. Molecular Weight: ~17-20kD, based on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Biological Activity: Measured by its ability to inhibit proliferation of TF-1 cells. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized and reconstituted products are stable for 6 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.
