Interferon synthesis by human colostral leucocytes

The antiviral potential of human colostral leucocytes was assessed by their capacity to produce interferon. Leucocytes cultured from colostrum were stimulated by mitogens or Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to produce interferon which, by metabolic and physicochemical criteria, corresponded to normal human leucocyte interferon. Prepartum cells produced higher levels than postpartum cells. Colostral cells were less efficient producers than blood leucocytes.