Interferon mechanism

IFN-α is a cytokine that acts through host cell surface receptors increasing the activity of Janus kinases (JAKS). These enzymes phosphorylate signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATS) to increase the formation of antiviral proteins. The selective antiviral action of IFN-α is primarily due to activation of a host cell ribonuclease that preferentially degrades viral mRNA. IFN-α also promotes formation of natural killer cells that destroy infected liver cells.