In Vivo Antiviral Activity of Recombinant Type Interferon A in Monkeys with Infections Due to Simian Varicella Virus

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Abstract
Recombinant type α interferon A (rIFN-α-A) administered to African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) intramuscularly in a dose of 3 × 106 units/kg of body weight resulted in substantial blood levels of interferon. Peak levels of >1,000 units/ml of serum appeared at 1 and 2 hr after inoculation and interferon was detectable for as long as 12 hr after inoculation. Injection of rIFN-α-A at a dose of 106 units/kg twice daily for eight days effectively inhibited simian varicella virus infection of the African green monkey. Antiviral activity was demonstrated in monkeys with prophylactic treatment begun 4 hr prior to virus inoculation or with therapeutic treatment deferred until 44 hr after virus inoculation. No adverse effects of treatment were observed.