In vivo antiviral activity of recombinant murine gamma interferon.

Recombinant murine gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) was tested for its antiviral activity in vivo. IFN preparations purified to greater than 95% purity were administered to CD-1 mice infected with lethal doses of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus. An initial treatment with rMuIFN-gamma administered 4 h prior to infection with virus, followed by daily treatment for 3 consecutive days significantly protected mice against EMC virus as evidenced by animal survival after 3-4 weeks post-viral infection. Variations in the antiviral effect relative to dose levels and routes of administration were also studied.