Abstract

The role of interferon α/β (IFN) induction by the immunomodulators pICLC and CL246,738 was investigated in CD-1 mice infected with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Mice were treated with either normal sheep serum or anti-α/β IFN antiserum, inoculated with the immunomodulators, and infected with virus. Because anti-IFN treatment also decreased natural resistance to HSV-2 and MCMV, two viral challenge doses were used to ensure that the mice with control serum or anti-IFN antiserum received biologically equivalent infections. Antiviral protection of pICLC and CL246,738 against HSV-2 infection was completely abrogated by treatment with anti-α/β interferon antiserum. Mice treated with pICLC also lost antiviral protection against MCMV when interferon α/β was depleted. These results indicate that induction of interferon α/β appears to be a major mechanism for both natural resistance and pICLC-induced antiviral protection against MCMV and HSV-2 herpesvirus infections.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.