About IFN-alpha 2
This gene is a member of the alpha interferon gene cluster on chromosome 9. The encoded cytokine is a member of the type I interferon family that is produced in response to viral infection as a key part of the innate immune response with potent antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory properties. This cytokine, like other type I interferons, binds a plasma membrane receptor made of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 that is ubiquitously expressed, and thus is able to act on virtually all body cells. The encoded protein is effective in reducing the symptoms and duration of the common cold and in treating many types of cancer, including some hematological malignancies and solid tumors. A deficiency of type I interferon in the blood is thought to be a hallmark of severe COVID-19 and may provide a rationale for a combined therapeutic approach. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2020]

About FITC
Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) has an excitation peak at 495 nm and an emission peak at 519 nm. The name FITC is a misnomer in that the isothiocyanate is a reactive form of this dye. Once FITC is conjugated to an antibody, it is simply Fluorescein conjugated. FITC is one of the most widely used dyes for fluorescent applications, therefore most instruments come standard with a 488 nm laser and FITC filter set up. FITC is commonly conjugated to secondary antibodies and used in applications such as flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. FITC is relatively dim, sensitive to photobleaching and it is susceptible to changes is pH. There are better performing alternatives to FITC, like Vio®Bright 515, Alexa Fluor™ 488, iFluor® 488, CF®488A and DY-488. FITC is a long-time generic dye with no sole manufacturer or trademark.