Interferon enhances the activity of the anticancer ribonuclease, onconase.

Interferons (IFN) are biologic agents involved in the antiviral response and the inhibition of tumor growth. Biochemical pathways of IFN action include the double-stranded RNA-activated oligoadenylate synthetase, RNase L, and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR). Extracellular ribonucleases, especially onconase, also display antiviral and antitumor properties and involve degradation of RNA. We find that IFN increases the anticancer activity of onconase. These two agents work synergistically, and the effect is seen at the level of translation probably because of the degradation of tRNA.