Human tumor necrosis factor-alpha kills herpesvirus-infected but not normal cells.

Human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) was found to recognize and destroy herpes simplex virus-infected cells while leaving uninfected cells unharmed, as determined by a 51Cr-release microcytotoxicity assay. In contrast, recombinant interleukins 1 and 2, alpha interferon and gamma interferon were not cytotoxic for virus-infected cells. The ability to discriminate between herpes virus-infected and uninfected cells suggests that TNF may be a beneficial antiviral agent.