Mouse Interferon Alpha 4

Product Information: Most mammalian species have multiple IFN-Alpha subtypes. Although the reasons for these multiple subtypes are not fully known, there are clear cell type and temporal differences in their expression. A recent study established a nomenclature for the murine IFN-Alpha subtypes (van Pesch et al. 2004) and determined relative activities of the subtypes with protein quantification by phosphorimaging of metabolically-labeled protein. In this study, Mu IFN-Alpha4 was deemed to have average antiviral activity when compared with the potency of the other subtypes.

Mu IFN-Alpha4 was initially cloned by Zwarthoff et al. [(1985) Nuc. Acids Res. 13(3) 791], and has been extensively studied. It is apparently expressed early in viral infection in a protein synthesis independent manner, and its expression is induced by phosphorylation of IRF-3. It may be that Mouse IFN-Alpha4, like IFN-β, has a priming function on cells, enabling the expression of other Mouse IFN-Alpha subtypes [Reviewed by Mesplède et al. (2003) Autoimmunity 36(8):447 and Asselin-Paturel & Trinchieri (2005) J. Exp. Med. 202(4):461]. Thus, this interferon is among the first observed after viral infection. Intriguingly, while this interferon is expressed in a large variety of cell types, one report suggests that the expression level in dendritic cells is low to non-existent [Barchet et al. (2002) J. Exp. Med. 195(4):507]

Summary: Mouse IFN-Alpha4 is a widely expressed Mouse IFN-Alpha which may play a major role in preparing cells to express high levels of other Mouse IFN-Alpha subtypes upon viral challenge.




Figure 1: The activity of Mouse Alpha-A and Mouse Alpha-4 was compared in an L929/EMCV CPE assay. The EC₅₀ for Mouse Alpha-A in this experiment was 54 pg/ml while the EC₅₀ for Mu Alpha-4 was 37 pg/ml. Similar results were obtained for several batches of Mouse Alpha-4. Results are representative and may vary depending upon experimental conditions.



This Product is for RESEARCH USE ONLY and is not for sale or use in any commercial kit or for use in the preparation of any commercial antibody. NOT FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USE, OR USE IN HUMANS.