[Double-stranded RNA from phage F6: its interferon-inducing and antiviral properties]

Double stranded RNA was isolated from bacteriophage phi 6 parasitizing on phytobacteria. Its interferon-inducing and antiviral activities were shown in vitro and in vivo. In the culture of L-929 cells, interferon resistant to heat and acids was synthesized. The interferon could be practically completely neutralized by specific anti-interferon serum. The phage phi 6 preparation dsRNA in the lyophilized form was studied. The preparation retained its biological activity. It was shown that a preparation containing 30 per cent of dsRNA was less toxic than a preparation containing 100 per cent of dsRNA, the difference in the interferon-inducing activity being insignificant.