Antiviral Agents

Abstract

InterferonIN 1957, Isaacs and Lindenmann described the in vitro production of a soluble antiviral mediator, interferon, by virus–infected cells.⁵⁷ Since then, much has been learned concerning the properties and actions of what is now recognized to be a group of cellular glycoproteins, the interferons.^{58 , 59} Only recently have sufficient quantities of human leukocyte interferon become available to permit controlled clinical studies.Antiviral Spectrum and Mode of ActionInterferons are relatively species specific, acting mainly on the species of animal cells in which they are induced. However, they are not virus specific but capable of interfering with a wide variety of . . .