Metal chelate affinity chromatography of hamster interferon.

Syrian hamster interferon, produced by benzo(a)pyrene-transformed embryo cells does not display an affinity for Zn++ chelate-agarose. However, the interferon binds to Cu++ chelate-agarose and can be displaced from the column by a falling pH-gradient. The chromatography of crude hamster interferon preparation on a tandem of columsn: Zn++ chelate-agarose in equilibrium Cu++ chelate-agarose results in a 25-fold purification of interferon.