Antiviral and side effects of interferons produced by recombinant DNA techniques as tested in rhesus monkeys

Human interferon type alpha 2 (HuIFN-alpha 2) produced by Escherichia coli was found to be as active as natural leukocyte interferon in protecting rhesus monkeys against intradermal vaccinia virus infection. HuIFN-beta 1 produced in E. coli had similar but less pronounced activity. HuIFN-alpha 2 induced fever but not leukopenia, while HuIFN-beta 1 had opposite effects. Concurrent treatment with acetosalicylic acid and prednisolone/azothioprine combinations did not interfere with the efficacy of the human interferons.