Polyriboinosinic-Polyribocytidylic Acid-Poly-L-lysine Complex [Poly(ICL)] without Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): A New Primate-Effective Interferon Inducer

Abstract

Abstract

The complex of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic (poly(I)·poly(C)) with poly-L-lysine in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) [poly(ICLC)] has proven to be an effective interferon inducer in primates, including man. Since no mechanism is known by which the body can degrade CMC, a new complex of lower molecular weight, which contains poly I·poly C complexed with poly-L-lysine [poly(ICL)] but without CMC, was developed. This compound is slightly more resistant than poly(ICLC) to hydrolysis by RNase-A and is also an effective inducer of interferon in nonhuman primates. The new compound without CMC is also less toxic in mice than is poly(ICLC) as indicated by LD_50.