IFNAR is expressed by nearly all cell types, including the endocrine, immune, and central nervous system. IFNAR have been found in monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocyte, glia, and neurons. IFNAR consists of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits that are associated with tyrosine kinase-2 (TYK2) and Janus kinase-1 (JAK1), respectively. IFN-α binds to IFNAR which, upon dimerization, activate TYK2 and JAK1 that phosphorylate the tyrosine residues in the IFNAR cytoplasmic domains, thus creating docking sites for signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), which are then targeted by JAK for phosphorylation.