Purification and characterization of human leukocyte interferon components

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Human leukocyte interferon exhibits antiviral properties.
• Previous purification methods included acid ethanol extraction and affinity chromatography.

Purpose of the Study:

• To further purify human leukocyte interferon.
• To characterize the purified interferon components.

Main Methods:

• Gel filtration chromatography in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate.
• Hydroxylapatite adsorption chromatography.
• Isoelectric focusing and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Main Results:

• Interferon was purified to homogeneity with a molecular weight of 26,600.
• Two antiviral components, A and B, were resolved.
• Components A and B had apparent molecular weights of 20,000-16,000 and 16,000, respectively.
• Both components showed similar susceptibility to beta-mercaptoethanol reduction.

Conclusions:

• Human leukocyte interferon can be effectively purified using gel filtration and hydroxylapatite chromatography.
• The purified interferon consists of at least two distinct antiviral components.
• These components can be isolated with minimal loss of biological activity.