IFNB1, Official Symbol IFNB1provided by HGNC Official Full Name interferon beta 1provided by HGNC Primary source HGNC:HGNC:5434 See related Ensembl:ENSG00000171855 MIM:147640; AllianceGenome:HGNC:5434 Gene type protein coding RefSeq status REVIEWED Organism Homo sapiens Lineage Eukaryota; Metazoa; Chordata; Craniata; Vertebrata; Euteleostomi; Mammalia; Eutheria; Euarchontoglires; Primates; Haplorrhini; Catarrhini; Hominidae; Homo Also known as IFB; IFF; IFNB; IFN-beta Summary This gene encodes a cytokine that belongs to the interferon family of signaling proteins, which are released as part of the innate immune response to pathogens. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the type I class of interferons, which are important for defense against viral infections. In addition, type I interferons are involved in cell differentiation and anti-tumor defenses. Following secretion in response to a pathogen, type I interferons bind a homologous receptor complex and induce transcription of genes such as those encoding inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Overactivation of type I interferon secretion is linked to autoimmune diseases. Mice deficient for this gene display several phenotypes including defects in B cell maturation and increased susceptibility to viral infection. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015] Annotation information Note: This gene has been reviewed for its involvement in coronavirus biology, and is involved in cytokine storm inflammatory response. Orthologs mouse all