Mouse IFN Alpha 1 was originally cloned from a genomic library by Zwarthoff et al. [(1985) Nuc. Acids Res. 13(3)791]. It is produced by macrophages, neutrophils, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and other somatic cells in response to many viral and some pathogen infections.

Expression of the Mouse IFN Alpha 1 subtype has been seen in embryonic fibroblasts in some studies, but not in others. Expression has also been observed in brain and in L929 cells challenged with a variety of viruses [Yeow et al. (1997) Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 29(3):519, Barchet et al., (2002) J. Exp. Med. 195(4):507, Delhaye et al., (2006) PNAS. 103(20):7835, Fung et al., (2004) J. Imm. Meth. 284:177]. It has been suggested that expression of this IFN may be regulated by Oct-1 and that it is IRF-7 dependent [Mesplede et al., (2005) Mol. Cell. 25(19):8717, Sato et al., (2000) Immunity 13:539].

This subtype has been extensively studied either in transgenic mice or by delivery as an expression construct [Hekman et al., (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263(24):12151, Carr et al., (1988) J. Immunol. 169(9):5859]. When delivered as an expression construct, Mouse IFN Alpha 1 reduced CMV intramuscular infection significantly better than Mouse IFN Alpha 4 or 9 [Yeow et al., (1988) J. Immunol. 160(6):2932].

Summary: Mouse IFN Alpha 1 is an interferon with broad tissue expression which may be highly effective against certain viruses such as CMV and HSV.

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