Gene expression profile of monocyte-derived macrophages following induction by recombinant and natural IFNα

Type I interferon is naturally produced in response to pathogens to generate an anti-viral state within the cell. There are 13 naturally occurring genetic isoforms of IFN alpha (IFNα) in humans that result in 12 IFNα subtypes (IFNα1 and α13 are identical but are coded by different genes). They all bind the same ubiquitously expressed receptor, interferon alpha receptor (IFNAR), but have been shown to differ in their biological and anti-viral activities (reviewed in Gibbert et al, Br J Pharmacol 2013). We investigated the ability of natural and recombinant IFNα to regulate mRNA expression. Here we present a dataset comprising whole genome microarray data from primary human monocyte-derived macrophages following treatment with different preparations of IFNα. These data are suitable for determination of IFN-stimulated genes, and additionally allow differential analysis of gene induction in response to natural versus recombinant IFNα. For example, this comparison may be useful in identifying cellular anti-viral effector proteins involved in viral restriction, thus potentially providing novel therapeutic approaches without the historical negative outcomes of IFNα therapy. Total RNA obtained from MDMs treated with two preparations of IFNα: recombinant and natural as well as untreated; 3 replicate experiments per primary cell type.