Quantitative immunoelectrophoresis of human interferon. A new approach to characterization of interferon preparations.

The electroimmunoassay (quantitative "rocket" immunoelectrophoresis) method was adopted for analysis and characterization of interferon preparations. Ammonium sulphate-precipitated anti-interferon globulin also containing unknown antibodies against antigens that contaminate interferon preparations was used in the tests. By comparing the results of the electroimmunoassay of fractions obtained by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of human leukocyte interferon with the antiviral activity of the fractions, an excellent dissociation of molecules with interferon activity from the bulk of contaminating antigens was achieved. The method is extremely sensitive and requires very small volumes for assay.