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Detection of human beta-2 interferon using a radioimmunoassay
Journal of Interferon Research
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Human beta 2 interferon (HuIFN-beta 2) mRNA codes directly for interferon. This finding was confirmed using a sensitive radioimmunoassay on translation products from Xenopus laevis oocytes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Human diploid fibroblasts (FS-4) produce mRNA for beta 2 interferon (HuIFN-beta 2) upon induction with poly(I) x poly(C) and cycloheximide.
- The precise function of this mRNA, whether coding directly for interferon or an inducing protein, remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the 1.3 kb HuIFN-beta 2 mRNA directly codes for an interferon or a protein that induces interferon.
- To clarify the role of HuIFN-beta 2 in cellular antiviral responses.
Main Methods:
- Translation of the 1.3 kb HuIFN-beta 2 mRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes.
- Detection of the interferon activity in the oocyte translation product using a sensitive radioimmunoassay.
- Utilizing a high-affinity polyclonal antibody against the N-terminal amino acid sequence of pure IFN-beta 1.
Main Results:
- The translation product of the 1.3 kb HuIFN-beta 2 mRNA exhibited direct interferon activity.
- The interferon derived from the mRNA was detectable via radioimmunoassay, confirming its identity.
Conclusions:
- The 1.3 kb HuIFN-beta 2 mRNA directly codes for an active interferon molecule.
- This finding resolves ambiguity regarding the function of HuIFN-beta 2 and its role in antiviral defense.