title: Antiviral activities of cloned human leukocyte interferons against herpes simplex virus type 2 infections of mice.
abstract: Human alpha-interferons (IFN-alpha s) made in bacteria were examined for antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections of mouse L-cells in vitro, and acute cervicovaginal and lethal systemic HSV-2 infections of BALB/c mice. The recombinant DNA-derived hybrid interferon IFN-alpha AD(Bgl) showed pronounced antiviral activity in vitro, exceeding the activity of either of the parental subtypes IFN-alpha A and IFN-alpha D and that of the other hybrids IFN-alpha AD(Pvu) and IFN-alpha DA(Bgl). A combination of topical and systemic treatments with IFN-alpha A and IFN-alpha AD(Bgl) failed to protect mice from subsequent challenge with an acute cervicovaginal infection of HSV-2. Protection from lethal systemic HSV-2 infection in mice was observed when IFN-alpha AD(Bgl) and IFN-alpha AD(Pvu) were administered systemically, whereas IFN-alpha A failed to confer protection. These results suggest that for protection against infection with HSV-2, the routes of introduction of the virus and of the interferon influence the host response to interferon therapy.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007739:L Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D013997:Time Factors; D014776:Virus Cultivation
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I