Human leukocyte interferon produced by E. coli is biologically active.
A human leukocyte interferon cDNA was enzymatically synthesized, inserted into the vector pBR322, and cloned in Escherichia coli. The DNA sequence codes for a 23-amino acid signal peptide followed by an interferon polypeptide of 165 amino acids. An expression plasmid was constructed which permits the synthesis in E. coli of 2.5 x 10(8) units of interferon per litre of culture. This LeIF protected squirrel monkeys from lethal encephalomyocarditis virus infection.
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular / Q000379:methods; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology; D010957:Plasmids; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D011498:Protein Precursors; D007372:Interferons