Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cytokine activity. Involved in several processes, including glial cell activation; positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process; and regulation of generation of precursor metabolites and energy. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cell differentiation involved in immune response; defense response to other organism; and positive regulation of cellular biosynthetic process. Located in external side of plasma membrane and extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including adipose tissue; alimentary system; genitourinary system; hemolymphoid system; and nervous system. Used to study aplastic anemia; malaria; and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including allergic rhinitis; ataxia telangiectasia; autoimmune disease (multiple); eczema herpeticum; and leukemia (multiple). Orthologous to human IFNG (interferon gamma).