Enables type I interferon binding activity and type I interferon receptor activity. Involved in cellular response to cytokine stimulus; positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process; and response to lipopolysaccharide. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including defense response to virus; positive regulation of cytokine production; and regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation. Is integral component of plasma membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; genitourinary system; integumental system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in hepatitis C. Orthologous to human IFNAR1 (interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]