Antiviral effects of bacteria-derived human leukocyte interferons against encephalomyocarditis virus infection of squirrel monkeys

Abstract
Two human leukocyte interferon sub-types (IFN-αA and -αD) produced inE. coli and a hybrid interferon (IFN-αAD[Bgl]) consisting of the N-terminal 61 residues of IFN-αA and the C-terminal 104 residues of IFN-αD were compared for antiviral activity against EMC virus infection of squirrel monkeys. Marked reduction in viremia and a decrease in the incidence of deaths occurred with highly purified preparations of the recombinant-DNA derived interferons. Dose response studies showed that IFN-αD and -αAD (Bgl) were more effective than IFN-αA.