Interferon alfa-2

The interferon alfa family comprises a number of highly homologous, species-specific proteins and glycoproteins. [#] Naturally occurring interferon alfa is a protein with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulating activity. Interferons alfa-2a and -2b are of recombinant DNA origin and exist as single interferon subtype preparations. They are commercially available as peginterferons alfa-2a and -2b, which contain the drugs covalently bound to polyethylene glycol (PEG) monomethoxy ether. [#] Interferon alfa-2a and -2b are synthetic interferons manufactured by recombinant DNA technology using a genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacterium. [#] [#] Interferons alfa-2a and -2b are biosynthetic forms of interferon alfa that consist of 165 amino acids. Interferons alfa-2a and -2b differ at amino acid position 23; alfa-2a has a lysine in that position, while -2b has an arginine at that position. Compared to other interferon alfa subtypes, interferons alfa-2a and -2b both have a deletion at position 44 in the amino acid sequence. [#] Interferon alfa-2b is commonly prescribed in a kit with ribavirin. [#]
Source: Aids Info Drugs - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research