IFN-beta: cDNA Clones

IFN-beta (Interferon-beta) is a cytokine that is produced by fibroblasts and pathogen-exposed dendritic cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. It signals through the heterodimeric IFN-alpha/beta Receptor. IFN-beta-deficient mice show increased susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a disease model of human multiple sclerosis (MS). Furthermore, IFN-beta has been shown to suppress the Th17 cell response in both MS and EAE and has commonly been used as a treatment for MS.