Enhancement of interferon induction in mice by polycationic modified polypeptides.

Combined intraperitoneal treatment of mice with poly I: C and a polycationic modified polypeptide (poly-DMAE-glutamine) was investigated. It was established that the presence of appropriate amounts of poly-DMAE-glutamine produced markedly enhanced serum interferon levels as compared to those produced by poly I: C alone. Similar combinations injected into mice produced full protection against lethal doses of mouse-virulent Semliki forest virus.