IFN-alpha 6

IFN-alpha 6 (IFNA6; IFN-α6), belongs to the alpha/beta interferon (IFN) family, is produced by the macrophages with antiviral activities[1]. Interferon (IFN) is originally identified as a substance ‘interfering’ with viral replication in vitro. IFN-α/β and related molecules are classified as type I IFNs, as for the other two types of type II IFN (IFN-γ) and type III IFNs (IFN-λ), respectively[2]. Interferon stimulates the production of two enzymes: a protein kinase and an oligoadenylate synthetase. Interferon alpha (IFNa) shows significant biological activity in various cancers, paticularly haematological malignancies such as hairy cell leukaemia and chronic myelogenous leukaemia[3]. Type I interferons (IFNs) are produced early in response to viral infection and modulate adaptive immunity. IFN-alpha 6 involves in acute myocarditis and chronic cardiac inflammation inhibition, promotes systemic murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection by reducing MCMV replication[4].