Affinity chromatography of human fibroblast interferon (IFN-beta 1) by monoclonal antibody columns

Eight hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies specific to human fibroblast interferon (IFN-beta 1) were identified by a new screening procedure based on immune precipitation with a second antibody and recovery of interferon activity from the immune precipitate. Immunoadsorbents were prepared from these monoclonal antibodies and used for purification of IFN-beta 1. Electrophoretically pure IFN-beta 1, having a specific activity of 3 X 10(8) to 6 X 10(8) units/mg was obtained by a single passage of partially purified IFN-beta 1 on these immunoadsorbents.