Interferon-alpha 2b (IFN-α2b) is a subtype of type I interferons (IFNs), which are a group of cytokines with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory functions. The human IFN-α family comprises 13 genes encoding 12 proteins, and all IFN-αs bind to a common receptor (IFNAR1/IFNAR2) to exert their effects. IFN-α2b is one of the most extensively studied IFN-α subtypes due to its high activity and availability for research. It was the first highly active IFN subtype to be cloned and has been widely used in fundamental research and clinical applications. IFN-α2b signals through the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, leading to the activation of various interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that contribute to its antiviral and other biological activities.
IFN-α2b is FDA-approved for treating malignancies such as melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and hematologic cancers (e.g., hairy cell leukemia). Its direct antitumor effects include inducing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation, while indirect effects involve immune activation (e.g., enhancing NK cell activity). It is also widely used against chronic hepatitis B and C, SARS-CoV, and other viral infections by blocking viral replication and modulating immune responses