Novel antiviral activity found in the media of Sindbis virus-persistently infected mosquito (Aedes albopictus) cell cultures

Abstract

A. albopictus (mosquito) cells persistently infected with Sindbis virus for 6 mo. released into the medium a low-MW material capable of specifically reducing the yields of Sindbis virus during the acute phase of infection in mosquito cells. The antiviral activity was produced in detectable levels at 3 days after infection, and its concentration in the extracellular medium increased thereafter. The antiviral activity was inactivated by treatment with the enzyme protease K and heat. It was not activated by treatment with antibody prepared against extracts of Sindbis virus-infected BHK-21 [baby hamster kidney] cells. The antiviral activity differs from interferon produced by vertebrate cells in that it is virus specific and cell specific.