IFNAR2

IFNAR2 teams up with IFNAR1 to form the receptor for interferon-alpha and interferon-beta. The long membrane form anchors signaling, while shorter soluble versions soak up cytokine and fine tune sensitivity. When interferon binds, JAK1 on IFNAR2 activates STAT1 and STAT2, sparking hundreds of antiviral genes. Cells apply brakes with SOCS proteins, USP18, and receptor internalization to avoid runaway inflammation. Engineered binders that stabilize or block IFNAR2 give researchers a way to dial interferon tone. Agonist binders can extend antiviral protection, while antagonistic binders help calm interferonopathies or reset patients who over-respond to therapy.