Nature of the interferon circulating in the blood of bronchial asthma patients

For the elucidation of the nature of interferon circulating in the blood of patients with bronchial asthma in the period of exacerbation the sensitivity of the collected samples to pH 2.0 and 56 degrees C was determined and neutralization test with interferon anti-gamma-serum performed. All the 17 specimens under study were found to contain a mixed population of interferon presented mainly by the gamma-type (greater than or equal to 75%). The remaining amount of interferon (less than or equal to 25%) consisted of alpha- and/or beta-type. The prognostic value of the data obtained is discussed.