The Use of Interferons in Respiratory Viral Infections

摘要: It was at the National Institute of Medical Research, Mill Hill, in 1956–1957 when Alec Isaacs, with his postgraduate student Jean Lindenmann, made their profound discovery interferon. Viral interference had been recognized for many years. Indeed, Edward Jenner observed that vaccination cowpox sometimes did not ’take’ a subject herpes infection. Definitive animal experiments illustrating phenomenon were first reported 1935 and by 1950, Henle [33] wrote an extensive review on subject. While investigating viral influenza viruses 1957, Isaacs Lindenmann [43,44] showed fragments chick chorioallantoic membrane secreted substance into tissue culture supernatant response to killed virus which able protect fresh pieces against live challenge. This identified as non-dialysable protein molecular weight around 20 000 Da, resistant pH 2. Recognizing produced cells could other genius this experiment but second brilliant move give its name: ’interferon’. Legend has it name suggested during afternoon tea while discussing results colleagues. The catchy, papers clear straight forward implications exciting enough catch public’s imagination be discussed lay press. Because scientists initially suspicious results, also named ‘misinterpreton’ time. However, over number years, more groups found interferon activity different cell-virus systems then animals infection, fact became inescapable.