INDUCTION OF ANTIVIRAL RESPONSE BY ELECTRIC PULSES

Abstract

Antiviral activity was detected in porcine leukocytes obtained from animals killed in a slaughterhouse. The activity appeared in the supernatant immediately after the addition of Sendai virus, an intended interferon (IFN) inducer. Electroinduction appears to be responsible for the production of antiviral molecules in both porcine and human leukocytes. The macromolecule conferring the antiviral activity is sensitive to heat and pH 2.0 treatment. The preformed or electroinduced antiviral activity originating from porcine leukocytes was not neutralized by either anti-PoIFN-α or anti-PoIFN-γ. The substance involved differs from all known antiviral proteins in that it is not secreted spontaneously into the extracellular space. Its release requires intact and virulent Sendai virus as a trigger signal. Differences in antigenic properties and characteristics indicate that this is a new antiviral substance.