The IFNA16 antibody targets interferon alpha-16 (IFNA16), a member of the type I interferon (IFN) family, which plays critical roles in innate immunity. IFNA16 is part of the IFN-α subfamily, encoded by a cluster of genes on human chromosome 9p21.3. Type I IFNs, including IFN-α, are cytokines produced in response to viral infections, modulating immune responses through antiviral, immunoregulatory, and antiproliferative activities. IFNA16 specifically binds to the IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR), activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway to induce interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that inhibit viral replication and regulate immune cell functions.
Antibodies against IFNA16 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and interaction mechanisms. They are typically generated using recombinant IFNA16 proteins or synthetic peptides as immunogens in host species like rabbits or mice. These antibodies enable applications such as Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to detect IFNA16 in biological samples. Cross-reactivity with other IFN-α subtypes must be validated due to high sequence homology. IFNA16-specific antibodies are particularly valuable in research on viral pathogenesis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer, where dysregulated IFN signaling is implicated. Recent studies also explore IFNA16's potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker, driving demand for high-specificity antibodies. Proper validation via knockout controls or neutralizing assays is critical to ensure antibody reliability in experimental models.