Human tumor necrosis factor-alpha kills herpesvirus-infected but not normal cells.
Human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) was found to recognize and destroy herpes simplex virus-infected cells while leaving uninfected cells unharmed, as determined by a 51Cr-release microcytotoxicity assay. In contrast, recombinant interleukins 1 and 2, alpha interferon and gamma interferon were not cytotoxic for virus-infected cells. The ability to discriminate between herpes virus-infected and uninfected cells suggests that TNF may be a beneficial antiviral agent.
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic / Q000379:methods; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C / Q000196:embryology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
D006023:Glycoproteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha