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Human serum digests poly(rI) X poly(rC) differently from other mammalian sera
Journal of Interferon Research
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Human serum primarily digests the (rC)n strand of double-stranded RNA, while other animal sera digest the (rI)n strand. This finding impacts understanding of interferon (IFN) induction and toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Double-stranded ribonucleic acid, specifically polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid ((rI)n:(rC)n), is a potent inducer of interferon (IFN).
- The degradation of (rI)n:(rC)n by serum nucleases influences its pharmacokinetic properties, IFN-inducing capacity, and potential toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the nuclease activity of different animal sera against the distinct strands of (rI)n:(rC)n.
- To elucidate the implications of these enzymatic differences for interferon induction and toxicity.
Main Methods:
- A novel spectrophotometric assay was employed to quantify the digestion of (rI)n and (rC)n strands by sera from humans, rhesus monkeys, cats, and rabbits.
- Comparative analysis of digestion patterns was performed.
Main Results:
- Human serum predominantly digested the (rC)n strand of (rI)n:(rC)n.
- Rhesus monkey, cat, and rabbit sera were found to primarily digest the (rI)n strand.
- Human serum exhibited greater digestion of the (rC)n strand compared to rabbit serum, though rabbit serum showed minimal digestion of both strands.
Conclusions:
- Significant species-specific differences exist in serum nuclease activity against (rI)n:(rC)n.
- These enzymatic variations may contribute to differential interferon induction and toxicity profiles observed across species upon administration of (rI)n:(rC)n.