Role of interferon in rabies immunity

Cell cultured rabies vaccines, usually induce a good production of interferon. A comparative study shows that vaccines from primary explantation cell cultures are better interferon inducers. Taking into account the importance of this induction in rabies vaccination, a study showing the role of leucocyte interferon (alpha-type) is achieved. Results show that leucocyte interferon (originating from the Red Cross, Osaka, Japan and Institut Pasteur Production, Paris) inhibits the formation of fluorescent inclusions and the production of infectious particles in MRC5 cells inoculated with a fixed rabies strain. On the other hand modification of the thymus weight was studied following injections of interferon inducer vaccines and after challenge with a street rabies virus.