[The role of myxovirus neuraminidase in the interferon induction system]

Interaction of myxovirus neuraminidases, in particular, that of influenza virus, with interferon (IFn) was established. When IFn is treated with viral neuraminidases, its antiviral activity tested in tissue culture does not change but it is eliminated from the body by the kidneys much more intensively and is more absorbed by the liver than native IFn. The degree of IFn elimination from the body is directly related to the level of enzymatic activity of viral neuraminidases affecting interferon. The homologous IFn treated with viruses, when inoculated into animals, is less capable than native IFn to protect mice from experimental influenza infection because of its more rapid elimination from the body. The presence of antineuraminidase antibodies in the blood of children slowed down endogenous IFn elimination which alleviates the course of influenza infection.