Interferon Fever: Absence of Human Leukocytic Pyrogen Response to Recombinant α-Interferon

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Abstract
A sensitive in vitro assay for generation of human leukocytic pyrogen has been used to study the pathogenesis of fever accompanying administration of human α-interferon. Unlike other potent pyrogens, two recombinant interferon preparations tested over a wide concentration range did not stimulate release of leukocytic pyrogen. This result suggests that interferon may cause fever by a novel mechanism not dependent on leukocytic pyrogen.