Are all Type I human interferons equivalent?

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Abstract
The Type I interferons are a family of closely related cytokines that have antiviral and immunostimulatory properties. There has been prolonged debate regarding the different interferon-α subtypes: with some authorities suggest that the different interferons have essentially similar properties but others argue that there are significant differences between them. Recent work has shown that the various interferon-α subtypes can interact with the interferon receptor components in different ways and can activate a number of different signalling pathways. Recent studies on the immunomodulatory properties of the Type I interferons indicate that there are profound differences between the subtypes. The clinical significance of all these differences remains to be determined.