This gene is a member of the alpha interferon gene cluster on chromosome 9. The encoded cytokine is a member of the type I interferon family that is produced in response to viral infection as a key part of the innate immune response with potent antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory properties. This cytokine, like other type I interferons, binds a plasma membrane receptor made of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 that is ubiquitously expressed, and thus is able to act on virtually all body cells. This cytokine is upregulated in preeclamptic placentas and is thought to be a mediator of preeclampsia. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2020]