IFNK

This gene encodes a member of the type I interferon family. Type I interferons are a group of related glycoproteins that play an important role in host defenses against viral infections. This protein is expressed in keratinocytes and the gene is found on chromosome 9, adjacent to the type I interferon cluster. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Full Name

Interferon Kappa

Function

May play a role in the regulation of immune cell function. Cytokine that imparts cellular protection against viral infection in a species-specific manner. Activates the interferon-stimulated response element signaling pathway. It is able to directly modulate cytokine release from monocytes and dendritic cells. Binds heparin.

Biological Process

Adaptive immune response Source: GO_Central
B cell differentiation Source: GO_Central
B cell proliferation Source: GO_Central
Cytokine-mediated signaling pathway Source: UniProtKB
Defense response to virus Source: UniProtKB-KW
Humoral immune response Source: GO_Central
Natural killer cell activation Source: UniProtKB
Natural killer cell activation involved in immune response Source: GO_Central
Negative regulation of cell population proliferation Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of innate immune response Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation of STAT protein Source: GO_Central
Regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: UniProtKB
Response to exogenous dsRNA Source: GO_Central
Response to virus Source: UniProtKB
T cell activation involved in immune response Source: GO_Central

Cellular Location

Secreted