Product Specific Information

Assay Used to Measure Bioactivity: Interferon was titrated with the use of the cytopathic effect inhibition assay as described [Rubinstein, S. et al. (1981). J. Virol. 37, 755-758]; [Familletti, P.C. et al. (1981). Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 78, 387-394]. In this antiviral assay for interferon about 1 unit/mL of interferon is the quantity necessary to produce a cytopathic effect of 50%. The units are determined with respect to the international reference standard for human interferon alpha A (Hu-IFN-alpha-A) provided by the National Institutes of Health [see Pestka, S. (1986). Methods in Enzymology, Academic Press, New York 119, 14-23]. Unit of activity measured on bovine MDBK cells with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).

Store at -20°C or below for retention of full activity. Thaw product vial by incubation in cold tap water until just thawed. Aliquot and refreeze unused contents to minimize effects of freeze thawing. Refreezing should be done on dry ice or in a dry ice/alcohol bath. Further dilution of product should be in buffers containing protein such as 0.1% BSA or tissue culture media with serum.