IFNB1
Description
The IFNB1 (interferon beta 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.
Interferon beta is a protein encoded by the IFNB1 gene in humans. It has antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, both in its natural and recombinant forms. Interferon beta 1a (Avonex and Rebif) and Interferon beta 1b (Betaseron/Betaferon) are used as drugs.
IFNB1 is a type I interferon cytokine that plays a key role in the innate immune response to infection, tumor development, and other inflammatory stimuli. It signals by binding to the IFNAR1-IFNAR2 heterodimeric receptor, activating the Jak-STAT signaling pathway and leading to the transcription of genes involved in the interferon response, such as antiviral proteins, cell proliferation regulators, and immunoregulatory proteins. IFNB1 can also signal via IFNAR1 alone, independent of the Jak-STAT pathway. This protein has a range of activities, including antiviral and antibacterial properties, B-cell development regulation, myelopoiesis, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inducible tumor necrosis factor production. It contributes to neuronal homeostasis by regulating dopamine turnover and protecting dopaminergic neurons through promotion of neuronal autophagy and alpha-synuclein clearance, thus preventing dopaminergic neuron loss. IFNB1 is more potent than interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation. {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P01575, ECO:0000269|PubMed:10049744, ECO:0000269|PubMed:10556041, ECO:0000269|PubMed:6157094, ECO:0000269|PubMed:6171735, ECO:0000269|PubMed:7665574, ECO:0000269|PubMed:8027027, ECO:0000269|PubMed:8969169}
IFNB1 is also known as IFB, IFF, IFN-beta, IFNB.
