Effect of interferon, elevated temperature, and cell type on replication of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis viruses

Five strains of enterovirus type 70 (E 70) and four of coxsackievirus type A 24 (CA 24) were studied for their sensitivity to interferon (IF), ability to induce IF, replication at various temperatures, and adaptability to human and mouse cell cultures. We found that isolates ranged from 0.01 to 16 times as sensitive to fibroblast IF as vesicular stomatitis virus, depending upon the cell type used and the multiplicity of infection. Most of the isolates induced no detectable IF; however, when induction occurred the titers were relatively low (5 to 300 U). Only E 70 virus isolates were adaptable to growth in L-cells. Replication of all viruses was inhibited approximately 90% at 37 to 39 degrees C depending upon the cell type. These results and the accessibility of the eye to application of IF and/or heat suggests the possibility of their use for treatment. The adaptation of certain E 70 viruses to mouse L-cells opens the possibility of development of a mouse model infection.