Transfer of specific immunity with RNA.

The term "immune RNA" (iRNA), as presently used, refers not to a characterized species of RNA but to phenol extracts of lymphocytes from immunized animals, which have the capacity to transfer a variety of immune products or activities. These include synthesis of specific antibody, development of specific cellular (delayed) hypersensitivity, and production of immunoglobulin allotypic or idiotypic specificities. Recent evidence that iRNA might be used as a specific therapeutic agent to induce immunity to tumors has stimulated an increased interest in this area of research. The purpose of this article is to review the current status of studies on iRNA.