Optimization of the interferon assay using inhibition of Semliki forest virus-ribonucleic acid synthesis

The method for assaying chicken interferon by its inhibition of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis was optimized for the chicken embryo fibroblast-Semliki Forest virus (SFV) system, with respect to time, multiplicity of infection, and addition of actinomycin D and (3)H-uridine. Incorporation of (3)H into viral RNA is reproducible, and amounts to 10(4) to 2 x 10(4) counts per min per uninhibited culture per 1 muCi per 6 hr. The assay may be carried out in less than 1 day and is sensitive (0.05 units/ml) and exact (+/-20% of the mean titers on different days); it can be used for purification procedures as well.