The Effect of Altering the Size of Poly C on the Toxicity and Antigenicity of Poly I:C

Summary Appropriate reduction in size of poly C by degradation with ribonuclease prior to complexing with poly I effected marked reduction in toxicity for mice and antigenicity for rabbits of poly I:C without detectable reduction in in vivo or in vitro protection against viral infection. There was slight reduction in interferon-inducing capacity for rabbits. Such procedure adds another possible means for increasing the safety of poly I:C in eventual clinical application. The authors are indebted to Mary-Ellen Davies, Helen Perry, Carolyn Saydah and Carol Bonoma for excellent technical assistance.