At least 23 different variants of IFN-α are known. The individual proteins have molecular masses between 19-26 kDa and consist of proteins with lengths of 156-166 and 172 amino acids. All IFN-α subtypes possess a common conserved sequence region between amino acid positions 115-151 while the amino-terminal ends are variable. Many IFN-α subtypes only differ in their sequences by one or two positions. Naturally occurring variants also include proteins truncated by 10 amino acids at the carboxy-terminal end. IFNA2 (Interferon Alpha 2) is a Protein Coding gene. This gene is a member of the alpha interferon gene cluster on chromosome 9. The encoded protein is a cytokine produced in response to viral infection. Type I Interferons (IFNs) are well-known cytokines that exert antiviral activity, antitumor activity, and immunomodulatory effects.