Toxicity of interferon.

Abstract

The effects of partially purified human leucocyte interferon (PIF) and of a preparation purified by passage twice through a monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography column (NK2EF) were compared with those of a control solution in healthy volunteers. After intramuscular injections both interferon preparations caused rises in pulse rate and body temperature, changes in circulating white cell counts, and various unpleasant symptoms, the most common of which were headache, malaise, and fever. Slightly lower doses of NK21F were given, and this was reflected in lower peak serum concentrations. Mean symptom scores, however, were not lower after NK2IF than after PIF. Local inflammatory reactions eight hours after intradermal inoculations of these interferons were similar.Purification of interferon using a monoclonal antibody does not reduce the facets of its activity considered in this study. They are therefore inherent in the leucocyte interferon type selected by the antibody.

Response of differentiated but not anaplastic teratoma to interferon

“…1 developed a septicaemia which responded to antibiotics whilst on IFN. Toxicity was otherwise similar to that previously reported with IFN (Priestman, 1980;Scott et al, 1981) (Figure 2) and marginal shrinkage of the abdominal masses. He has administered the IFN himself and apart from the expected toxicity (rigors, fever, malaise) during the first two weeks of each course and when receiving the high dose infusions (fever, severe malaise and myelosuppression) experienced no side effects from either preparation of IFN.…”

Surveillance of respiratory viral infections by rapid immunofluorescence diagnosis, with emphasis on virus interference

“…In fact, it has been postulated that the raised level of circulating interferon in the acute phase of influenza virus infection may be responsible for the classical symptoms of influenza (Scott et al 1981). From longitudinal family studies, Glezen (1982) estimated influenza virus attack rates to range from 14 % to 50 % each year.…”

Biological activities of human recombinant interferon α/β targeted by anti‐Epstein‐Barr virus monoclonal antibodies

“…This may in part be explained by the short half-life of IFN preparations, their lack of target cell specificity, rapid degradation and dilution effects in vivo. These all necessitate increased administration of IFN resulting in severe side effects [1, 3,4]. An approach aimed at stabilising IFN or more specifically delivering the IFN to given target cells might help to overcome these problems.…”