Production of interferon and serum hyporeactivity factor in mice infected with murine cytomegalovirus

Abstract

Mice injected i.p. with murine cytomegalovirus produced as many as 1000 U [units] of serum interferon. The response appeared biphasic, with maximum titers in the 1st phase detectable 2-4 days after infection. A 2nd phase peaked 10 days after infection. By carboxyhexyl-Sepharose affinity chromatography, the serum interferon behaved like lymphocyte interferon. The infected mice also produced substantial quantities of serum hyporeactivity factor, although always in the presence of interferon. This factor was separated from the serum interferon by concanavalin A-Sepharose affinity chromatography.