Description: IFN-α2 is a type I interferon, previously known as B-cell interferon, leukocyte interferon, lymphoblast interferon, and pH2-stable interferon. IFN-α2 is one of at least 23 different known variants of IFN-α. The individual proteins have molecular masses between 19-26 kDa and consist of proteins with lengths of 156-166 and 172 amino acids. IFN-α forms are produced by monocytes/macrophages, lymphoblastoid cells, fibroblasts, and a number of different cell types following induction by viruses, nucleic acids, glucocorticoid hormones, and low-molecular weight substances (n-butyrate, 5-bromodeoxyuridine). IFN-α2 demonstrates antiviral, antiparasitic, antiproliferative activities.