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Biological assays for interferons.

Anthony Meager¹

¹Division of Immunobiology, The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 3QG, UK. ameager@nibsc.ac.uk

Journal of Immunological Methods

|February 28, 2002

Summary

Interferon (IFN) assays measure antiviral activity and other biological functions. This review critically examines the development, standardization, and use of various IFN bioassays for accurate quantification.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Interferons (IFN) are crucial proteins with diverse biological activities, including antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects.
IFN's antiviral activity, its defining characteristic, is mediated through cell receptors, signaling pathways, and gene expression.
The sensitivity of cells to IFN varies based on cell type, receptor expression, and viral factors.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a critical overview of the evolution, specificity, standardization, and current applications of biological assay methods for quantifying interferon activity.
To discuss the historical development of antiviral assays (AVA) and newer methods like reporter gene assays.

Main Methods:

Review of historical and contemporary interferon bioassays, including antiviral assays (AVA).
Discussion of reporter gene assays utilizing IFN-responsive gene promoters linked to reporter genes (e.g., luciferase).
Analysis of factors influencing assay sensitivity and specificity, such as cell type and viral challenges.

Main Results:

Antiviral assays (AVA) were the first methods developed for measuring interferon potency.
Reporter gene assays offer a sensitive and quantifiable method by linking IFN-responsive elements to reporter genes.
Various IFN activities, including inhibition of cell proliferation and immunomodulation, can be used as bases for bioassays.

Conclusions:

A range of bioassays exist for quantifying interferon activity, each with specific advantages and limitations.
Standardization and critical evaluation of these assays are essential for accurate and reproducible measurement of interferon potency.
Understanding assay methodologies is crucial for research and therapeutic applications of interferons.

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