[Tumor necrosis factor in medicinal interferon preparations]

In response to virus induction a culture of donor leukocytes alongside with interferon (IF-alpha) produced a factor of tumor necrosis (TNF). The kinetics of TNF and IF-alpha biosynthesis did not depend on the kind of IF used for priming, was rapid, with maximum production within 7-8 hours. Antibodies to IF-alpha and IF-alpha had no effect on TNF production, while antibody to TNF did not reduce IF-alpha yields. TNF in detectable titres was present in medical preparations of native IF-alpha but was absent in preparations of recombinant IF-alpha and IF-alpha as well as in an injection preparation of IF purified by chemical methods.