Induction of Viral Interference: Effects of Poly rI·rC and Diethylaminoethyl-Dextran on the Activity of the Antiviral Protein

Abstract

The activity of the antiviral protein induced by various ratios of poly rI-rC and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran was studied. It was found that, when large doses of poly rI-rC were used, very little viral interference was observed. This effect was initially attributed to the cells being refractory for production of antiviral protein. Subsequent experiments offered alternative explanations suggesting that, at any given dosage of poly rI * rC, an excess of DEAE-dextran is necessary for the production of viral interference. It is suggested that DEAE-dextran acts by exposing a cell receptor site for poly rIFrC. 63 on August 5, 2020 by guest http://iai.asm.org/ Downloaded from