Description

Product Description

Interferon alfa-2b (CAS 14597-78-3) is a recombinant human type I interferon, expressed in E. coli or mammalian systems, with high biological activity. It is a single-chain polypeptide of 165 amino acids that acts as a potent immunomodulator and antiviral agent in preclinical research.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

• Molecular formula: C876H1390N246O251S9 (approximate, varies with expression system)

• Molecular weight: ~19.2 kDa

• Appearance: Lyophilized white to off-white powder

• Solubility: Soluble in water, PBS, or physiological buffers; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

• Stability: Stable at –20 °C; short-term storage at 2–8 °C for experimental use

Research Applications:

1. Antiviral Studies: Interferon alfa-2b induces transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), including PKR, OAS, and Mx proteins, which inhibit viral replication and protein synthesis.

2. Immune Signaling Research: It activates the JAK-STAT pathway, enhancing antiviral and immunomodulatory responses.

3. Cytokine Profiling: Used to evaluate downstream effects on cytokine production (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL10) in various immune cell lines.

4. Cellular Apoptosis and Proliferation: Modulates apoptosis in infected or malignant cells, providing a model for studying immune-mediated cytotoxicity.

5. Combination Studies: Frequently used in preclinical experiments with antiviral compounds, vaccines, or immune checkpoint modulators to investigate synergy or pathway interactions.

6. Animal Models: Employed in murine, primate, or ex vivo human cell studies to simulate interferon responses and antiviral defense mechanisms.

7. Mechanistic Studies: Investigates IFN receptor binding, STAT phosphorylation, ISG induction, and negative regulators such as SOCS proteins.

Experimental Considerations:

• Handling: Lyophilized powder should be reconstituted in sterile buffers under aseptic conditions.

• Dosing: Concentrations depend on cell type, assay sensitivity, and intended pathway activation.

• Solvent Compatibility: PBS, sterile water, or culture media without serum are recommended for reconstitution.

• Storage and Stability: Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve bioactivity; store aliquots at –20 °C for long-term use.

Interferon alfa-2b’s consistent biological activity, high purity (≥99%), and reproducible immune-modulatory profile make it indispensable for preclinical research on antiviral mechanisms, immune signaling, apoptosis, and cytokine regulation.

Product Specifications

Mechanism of Action

Interferon alfa-2b (IFN-α2b) functions as a type I interferon by binding to the IFNAR1/IFNAR2 receptor complex on target cells. This receptor engagement activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, leading to phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2, which then form a complex with IRF9 to create the ISGF3 transcription factor. ISGF3 translocates to the nucleus and binds interferon-stimulated response elements (ISREs) to initiate transcription of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs).

Key Biological Effects in Preclinical Research:

1. Antiviral Activity:

   • Induces ISGs such as PKR, OAS, Mx proteins, and IFITs, which inhibit viral replication at multiple stages, including RNA translation, genome replication, and virion assembly.

   • Blocks viral protein synthesis and promotes degradation of viral RNA.

2. Immunomodulatory Effects:

   • Enhances antigen presentation by upregulating MHC class I molecules.

   • Activates natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs).

   • Modulates cytokine secretion, including IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and CXCL10, shaping the immune response.

3. Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis:

   • IFN-α2b can induce growth arrest in certain cancer cell lines by activating p21, p27, and other cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors.

   • Promotes apoptosis via caspase pathways, mitochondrial depolarization, and modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins.

4. Signal Regulation and Feedback:

   • Negative regulators, such as SOCS1 and USP18, modulate the intensity and duration of IFN signaling.

   • Fine-tuning of JAK-STAT and ISG expression allows researchers to study pathway kinetics, feedback loops, and signal desensitization.

5. Experimental Applications:

   • In vitro: Studying ISG induction, viral replication inhibition, apoptosis induction, and immune modulation in human or murine cell lines.

   • In vivo: Evaluating antiviral responses, immune cell activation, and cytokine-mediated effects in animal models.

   • Combination studies: Used with antiviral agents, vaccines, or immunomodulatory compounds to explore synergistic effects.

Comparative Studies:

• Compared to IFN-α1 or IFN-β, IFN-α2b exhibits higher specific activity and more predictable immunomodulatory effects in preclinical models.

• Recombinant IFN-α2b allows precise dosing and reproducible activation of the JAK-STAT pathway for mechanistic studies.

  

Side Effects

While Interferon alfa-2b is a research-grade recombinant protein, laboratory handling requires caution:

• Cytotoxic Effects: In vitro, IFN-α2b can induce apoptosis and growth arrest in sensitive cell lines. High concentrations may cause nonspecific cytotoxicity.

• Immune Modulation: In preclinical models, it may cause upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, which can affect surrounding cell populations.

• Handling Safety:

  • Wear gloves, lab coat, and eye protection.

  • Reconstitute lyophilized powder in sterile buffers under aseptic conditions.

  • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve bioactivity.

• Storage: Store at –20 °C for long-term storage or 2–8 °C for short-term experimental use. Protect from moisture and light.

• Environmental Precautions: Dispose of residual protein and contaminated materials according to institutional biosafety guidelines.

Experimental Observations:

• In vitro: STAT phosphorylation, ISG induction, apoptosis, cytokine secretion.

• In vivo: Immune cell activation, antiviral gene induction, cytokine modulation.

Keywords

Interferon alfa-2b, CAS 14597-78-3, recombinant cytokine, type I interferon, antiviral research, immune modulation, JAK-STAT signaling, apoptosis induction, cytokine profiling, high purity, ≥99% purity, factory peptide supplier, peptide wholesale China, China peptide manufacturer, OEM & bulk peptide production.

Shipping Guarantee

All Interferon alfa-2b shipments of Interferon alfa-2b are managed using validated cold-chain logistics to maintain protein stability and bioactivity. Lyophilized powder is sealed in moisture-proof, light-protected containers with secondary wrapping. Full tracking, insurance, and international courier support are provided to ensure safe delivery.

Trade Assurance

Interferon alfa-2b authenticity is guaranteed, with ≥99% purity verified by HPLC, SDS-PAGE, MS, and bioactivity assays. Each batch includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Trade assurance covers replacement or refund for any deviation from listed specifications, ensuring high-purity, batch-consistent protein for preclinical research.

Payment Support

Secure global payment options include PayPal, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), telegraphic transfer (T/T), and cryptocurrencies (USDT, Bitcoin, Ethereum). Transactions are encrypted and verified for confidentiality and fund protection.

Disclaimer

This Interferon alfa-2b product is intended for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or veterinary administration. Researchers must follow institutional safety protocols. Data generated with Interferon alfa-2b should not be interpreted as clinical or therapeutic guidance.

References

1. PubChem: Interferon alfa-2b (CID 16949) ↗

2. ChEMBL: Interferon alfa-2b Bioactivity (ChEMBL ID CHEMBL1201191) ↗

3. DrugBank: Interferon alfa-2b – DB00008 ↗

4. PubMed ID 12692302 – IFN-α2b antiviral and immunomodulatory mechanisms ↗

5. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology: Interferon α receptor signaling ↗