11] Large-scale production and recovery of human immune interferon

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of a method for large-scale production of human immune interferon based on induction scheme with the addition of a cell fractionation process and a novel method for product recovery. A 10- to 15-fold enhancement in interferon yield and a 50-fold increase in purity of crude product were accomplished by nylon wool column fractionation of lymphocytes combined with simultaneous reduction of autologous plasma protein levels prior to induction. The production method described is suitable for large-scale preparation of natural human immune interferon. Its principal advantages include greater interferon yield and purity without substantial increase in process costs. The process provides a method for the production of both higher and more consistent yields of interferon. A major factor in the higher yield from nylon wool fractionated buffy coat cells is the prolongation of the active production period compared to unfractionated cell preparations. Higher purity without concomitant yield loss results from removal of about 70% of buffy coat plasma, a step which results in reduced yields when using unfractionated cells. This sequential application of nylon wool fractionation and protein removal steps combines to provide 50-fold improvement in initial purity, which leads to higher purification yields and a reduction in purification costs.