Interferon_alfa-n3: profile and news

Hepatitis C Treatment for People With Severe Mental Illness Feb 28, 2006
Mapou RL, Law WA, Wagner K, et al: Neuropsychological effects of interferon alfa-N3 treatment in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected ... - Psychosomatics (subscription)

Other information

Indication
For treatment of hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma

Pharmacology
Upregulates the expression of MHC I proteins, allowing for increased presentation of peptides derived from viral antigens. This enhances the activation of CD8+ T cells that are the precursors for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and makes the macrophage a better target for CTL-mediated killing. Interferon alpha also induce the synthesis of several key antiviral mediators, including 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5' A synthetase), beta-2 microglobulin, neopterin and protein kinase R.

Mechanism Of Action
Interferon alpha binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c) which, upon dimerization, activate two Jak (Janus kinase) tyrosine kinases (Jak1 and Tyk2). These transphosphorylate themselves and phosphorylate the receptors. The phosphorylated INFAR receptors then bind to Stat1 and Stat2 (signal transducers and activators of transcription) which dimerize and activate multiple (~100) immunomodulatory and antiviral proteins. Interferon alpha binds less stably to type I interferon receptors than interferon beta.

Drug Category
Antiviral Agents; Immunomodulatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents

Brand Names/Synonyms
Interferon alpha-2 precursor;Interferon alpha-A;LeIF A; Alferon (Interferon Sciences Inc.)

Dosage Forms
Not Available

Absorption
Not Available

Interactions
Not Available

Chemical IUPAC Name
Human interferon alpha (2a, 2b and 2c)

Chemical Formula
C860H1353N227O255S9

Half Life
Not Available

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
BIOD00023

CAS Registry Number
11/1/9008