Interferon-alpha 2 or IFNα 2 is a human cytokine encoded by the IFNA2 gene. IFNA2 gene is present on chromosome 9. IFNα 2 belongs to the type I IFN family. Cells with viral infection secrete IFNα 2 and help other cells inhibit viral attack. In 1957, Alick Isaacs and Jean Lindenmann first described IFNs as a viral replication interfering agent. Type I IFN family has 13 α subtypes, out of which IFNα 2 was the very first subtypes scientists had successfully characterized in the 1980s. Therefore, researchers have widely studied IFNα 2 and the alpha interferon function to understand type I IFN family structure and mechanisms. As a result, the pharmaceutical industry also produced IFNα 2 as the first IFN drug, making it a well-known type I IFN family subtype.
The biomarker goes by other names – FNA2,IFNA, interferon, alpha 2, IFNA2B, INFA2, IFN-alphaA, IFN-alpha-2, and leIF A.
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At NorthEast BioLabs, we perform Luminex, ELISA, and MSD assays to detect alpha interferons and beta interferons in plasma, serum, cell culture supernatants, tissue homogenates, cell lysates, and other fluids. Following, we have outlined a double-antibody Sandwich ELISA assay protocol.
We begin the IFN Alpha testing with a pre-coated microtiter plate with an IFNα 2 specific antibody. We add 100 μl of sample or standard to the wells and introduce a biotin-conjugated antibody in each well. This antibody is specific to IFNα 2. Next, we incubate Avidin conjugated Horseradish Peroxidase in each well. Post-incubation, we add a TMB reporter molecule. Wells containing all three, IFNα 2, enzyme-conjugated Avidin, and Biotin-conjugated antibodies will show a color change. To end the reaction we add sulphuric acid and measure the color change spectrophotometrically at 450nm (± 10nm). We then correlate optical density (O.D) of the sample, with the standard curve and determine the concentration of IFNα 2 in the samples.
The anti-interferon assay employs the principle of immunosorbent assay and colorimetric system to identify IFNα 2 in the samples. The assay has a detection range between 15.6 pg/ml – 1000 pg/ml, with minimum detectable IFNα 2 doses of typically < 6.2 pg/ml. The assay is highly precise, with an intra-assay precision of < 10% and inter-assay precision of <12%.
The excretion IFNα 2 from the body is rapid, and they have a brief life in the biological organism Digestive enzymes efficiently degrade oral doses of IFNα 2 effectively. Therefore, researchers predominately study the intravenous administration of the alpha interferon to determine its optimal function.
IFNα2a and IFNα2b are IFNα 2 variants, popularly known by their commercial trade names Roferon-A and Intron-A, respectively. IFNα2a and IFNα2b have shown efficiency against viral infections, some kinds of cancers, and blood disorders. As cells naturally produce IFN Alpha 2 in response to an antigen intrusion, IFNα 2 therapy also induces similar side effects in the body. Therefore, researchers progressively replace IFNα 2 treatment with well-researched drugs.
To learn more about the promising benefits of IFNα 2, explore the resources below.
http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/interferon-alfa.aspx
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/alpha-interferon
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/interferon-alpha
How long do you think it takes for a new drug to get approved in the US? About 12-15 years, that’s roughly 1/3rd duration of the entire professional career for any of us. Next, how much investment do you think is required to bring a new drug to market?
Once a virus infects a cell, the cell releases IFN alpha 2 that acts locally and on cells expressing IFNAR cell surface receptors. IFNAR comprises IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits that are expressed on the surfaces of all cells. Post-receptor binding, interferon alpha 2 beta activates several cellular processes that carry the signal from the cell surface to the nucleus. This signal forms the IFN-Stimulated Gene Factor 3 complex in the nucleus, which starts the transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs).
ISGs are the core component that encodes cellular modulating proteins. ISGs have a wide range of cellular functions. They inhibit viral spread and replication, and protect uninfected cells by blocking viral entry into them. Research has discovered hundreds of interferon alpha cytokine or ISGs, explaining why type I IFN family has such a broad spectrum of biological activity. Besides, IFNα 2 inhibits cell proliferation, regulates immune system activation, and shows potent antitumor characteristics.