Antiviral effects of bacteria-derived human leukocyte interferons against encephalomyocarditis virus infection of squirrel monkeys. Brief report.

Two human leukocyte interferon sub-types (IFN-alpha A and -alpha D) produced in E. coli and a hybrid interferon (IFN-alpha AD[Bgl]) consisting of the N-terminal 61 residues of IFN-alpha A and the C-terminal 104 residues of IFN-alpha D were compared for antiviral activity against EMC virus infection of squirrel monkeys. Marked reduction in viremia and a decrease in the incidence of deaths occurred with highly purified preparations of the recombinant-DNA derived interferons. Dose response studies showed that IFN-alpha D and -alpha AD (Bgl) were more effective than IFN-alpha A.