Interferon ELISA Kits

Classification and biological function of interferon

According to their biological activity, interferon can be divided into three categories:

• Type I interferon: including IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-κ, etc., primarily exhibit antiviral effects against viral infections and can induce apoptosis and activation of immune cells.
• Type II interferon: including IFN-γ, primarily functions in immune responses and plays a crucial role in combating intracellular pathogens and anti-tumor immune responses.
• Type III interferon: including IFN-λ, plays a role in antiviral and anti-tumor immune responses by activating the innate immune system and producing antiviral and anti-tumor effects.

Role of Interferon in immune regulation

The immune system is a crucial defense mechanism of the body, and Interferons play a key role in immune regulation.

Interferon-related signaling pathways:

• JAK-STAT signaling pathway: Upon binding of interferons to their cell surface receptors, the receptors undergo autophosphorylation and activate the JAK tyrosine kinases within the cells, leading to the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. The activated STATs then translocate into the nucleus and bind to the interferon response elements (IREs), which ultimately regulate the transcription of a range of interferon-inducible genes, thereby modulating cellular immune and antiviral responses.
• MAPK signaling pathway: Upon binding of interferons to their receptors, multiple members of the MAPK family, including ERK, JNK, and p38, can be activated, thereby regulating various biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis.
• PI3K-Akt signaling pathway: Upon binding of interferons to their receptors, the PI3K pathway is activated, leading to the activation of downstream Akt protein. Activated Akt can regulate various biological processes, including enhancing immune cell activity, promoting cell proliferation, and anti-apoptosis, among others.
• NF-κB signaling pathway: Interferons can regulate immune and inflammatory responses by inhibiting key molecules in the NF-κB pathway, such as preventing IκB degradation and promoting IKK phosphorylation, thereby reducing the activity and transcriptional activity of NF-κB and decreasing the expression levels of NF-κB-regulated genes.