Interferon synthesis by human colostral leucocytes

Abstract

The antiviral potential of human colostral leukocytes was assessed by their capacity to produce interferon. Leukocytes cultured from colostrum were stimulated by mitogens or Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to produce interferon which, by metabolic and physicochemical criteria, corresponded to normal human leukocyte interferon. Prepartum cells produced higher levels than postpartum cells. Colostral cells were less efficient producers than blood leukocytes.