Interferon alpha-armed nanoparticles trigger rapid and sustained STAT1-dependent anti-viral cellular responses

► An IFNα protein corona forms spontaneously around micro- or nanoparticles. ► Particle-bound IFNα induces JAK-STAT signaling for anti-viral defense. ► IFNα-coated spheres allow a prolonged release of IFNα and alter STAT1 signaling. ► Full JAK-STAT dependent gene expression requires continuous presence of IFNα. ► Novel tools to analyze JAK-STAT signaling.