IFNAR

The interferon-α/β receptor (IFNAR) is a virtually ubiquitous membrane receptor which binds to endogenous type I interferon (IFN) cytokines. Endogenous human type I IFNs include many subtypes, such as interferons-α, -β, -ε, -κ, -ω, and -ζ. IFNAR is a heteromeric cell surface receptor composed of two subunits, referred to as the low affinity subunit, IFNAR1, and the high affinity subunit, IFNAR2. Upon binding of type I interferons, IFNAR activates the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, along with MAPK, PI3K, and Akt signaling pathways. Additionally, IFNs largely impact cell health and viability, with effects on apoptosis, autophagy, cell differentiation, and proliferation. The diverse effects of type I IFNs is likely dependent on the cellular and environmental context. Anifrolumab is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. This drug was developed by MedImmune, which chose to move anifrolumab instead of sifalimumab into Phase III trials for lupus in 2015.