Effect of recombinant DNA-produced bovine interferon alpha (BoIFN-alpha 1) on the interaction between bovine alveolar macrophages and bovine herpesvirus type 1.

Treatment of bovine alveolar macrophages (BAM) with bovine leukocyte interferon (BoIFN-alpha 1) resulted in reduced bovine herpesvirus type 1 replication and spread. This was demonstrated by reduced virus yields and number of cells infected. BoIFN-alpha 1 treatment of BAM also induced enhanced Fc receptor expression and/or avidity by the cells, increased their activity in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and augmented their extrinsic antiviral activity as measured by a reduction in the development of plaques in a susceptible cell line. These results are discussed in the context of the possible role of interferon in activation of AM during the early phases of a virus infection.