Production and recovery of human leukocyte-derived alpha interferon using a cascade filtration system

The use of a cascade filtration system for production and recovery of human leukocyte-derived alpha interferon (HuIFN-alpha) has been investigated. Included in the investigation were mass transfer studies of HuIFN-alpha across ultrafiltration membranes, design and evaluation of a laboratory-scale production system and determination of IFN production kinetics in both batch and filtration systems. The cascade filtration system allows separation of interferon from leukocytes and virus during production with simultaneous concentration and complete recovery. Kinetic studies indicate that HuIFN-alpha production can be enhanced by appropriate timing of the filtration procedure. While the current study is concerned with HuIFN-alpha, it is expected that the techniques developed will be applicable to the production and recovery of both natural and recombinant IFNs and lymphokines in general.