Interferon assay

Abstract

Interferon was discovered by virologists and its activity is defined in virological terms. In spite of the more recent discovery of a multitude of non-antiviral effects its activity is best assayed in terms of the antiviral effect at least until immunoassays are developed to measure, specifically, the different types of interferon. From an overview of the qualities of the 3 major varieties of assay system it is suggested that for most immunological purposes a virus-plaque-reduction type of assay is likely to be the most suitable. Points of importance regarding reference standards, the choice of a cell/virus system, criteria for acceptance of a virus inhibitor as interferon and the handling and storage of interferon preparations are briefly reviewed.