Modulation of human interferon-gamma biosynthesis by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

We investigated the inhibition of human interferon-gamma (HuIFN-gamma) production in cultures of lymphocytes with the use of the antisense strategy. Out of a series of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) complementary to different regions of the HuIFN-gamma gene, a 16-mer specific for a sequence including the translation initiation codon was the most effective. Here we describe a detailed protocol for the isolation of lymphocytes from buffy coats, the rational design of antisense ODN, and the monitoring of HuIFN-gamma production of the antisense ODN-treated cells.