Antiviral and side effects of interferons produced by recombinant DNA techniques as tested in rhesus monkeys.
Human interferon type alpha 2 (HuIFN-alpha 2) produced by Escherichia coli was found to be as active as natural leukocyte interferon in protecting rhesus monkeys against intradermal vaccinia virus infection. HuIFN-beta 1 produced in E. coli had similar but less pronounced activity. HuIFN-alpha 2 induced fever but not leukopenia, while HuIFN-beta 1 had opposite effects. Concurrent treatment with acetosalicylic acid and prednisolone/azothioprine combinations did not interfere with the efficacy of the human interferons.
D000818:Animals; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D010957:Plasmids; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D007370:Interferon Type I; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D011239:Prednisolone; D001379:Azathioprine; D001241:Aspirin