ABSTRACT
Recombinant DNA techniques have led not only to determination of the structure of human interferons but also production of individual molecular species of interferon free from other species and other proteins simultaneously induced in human cell cultures. Studies with human cells and natural human lymphoblastoid interferon have shown a comparable dissociation constant and use of an iodinated purified recombinant DNA derived interferon, IFN-αA, has given similar results. The human interferon used in these studies was the recombinant DNA derived subtype, IFN-αA. The advent of sophisticated purification techniques and recombinant DNA technology has laid to rest the old argument of interferon vs. contaminants as the pyrogenic factor in preparations. Identification of potential clinical indications is facilitated by clinical and preclinical data together with analysis of the mechanisms of action of interferons that appear to be of importance and the possibilities and properties of novel recombinant DNA derived interferons.
