IFNA17 encodes interferon alpha-17, a type I interferon with antiviral and immunomodulatory functions. As a cytokine, IFNA17 stimulates immune responses through type I interferon receptor binding and activation of immune cells including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells 1. The protein demonstrates antiviral activity and stimulates production of protein kinases and oligoadenylate synthetases, consistent with classical interferon functions. Genetic polymorphisms in IFNA17, particularly the Ile184Arg variant (rs9298814), significantly influence disease susceptibility and prognosis across multiple conditions 2345. The 184Ile homozygote increases cervical cancer risk (OR=2.96) 4, while specific variants affect susceptibility to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever 2, multiple sclerosis 3, and sarcoidosis 5. In cancer contexts, IFNA17 expression correlates with tumor microenvironment modulation and patient prognosis. High IFNA17 expression associates with neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer through CHR9/AKT/MYCN signaling 6 and predicts breast cancer recurrence risk in ductal carcinoma in situ 7. Additionally, IFNA17 expression serves as a prognostic marker in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, where altered expression correlates with immune system activation and patient survival outcomes 1.