The genes encoding type I interferons (IFNs), which include 14 IFN-α genes, one IFN-β gene, one IFN-w (also known as IFN-α II1) gene, and a number of IFN-w pseudogenes, are clustered on human chromosome 9. Type I IFN is produced following detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and is important for induction of antiviral genes, activation of dendritic cells, and initiation of adaptive immunity. IFN-α and -β exert a variety of other biological effects, including antitumor and immunomodulatory activities and are increasingly used clinically to treat a range of malignancies, myelodysplasias and autoimmune diseases.
