Expression of canine interferon-beta by a recombinant vaccinia virus

A recombinant vaccinia virus expressing canine interferon (IFN)-beta was co nstructed (vv/cIFN-beta). In rabbit kidney (RK13) and canine A72 cells infe cted with vv/cIFN-beta, the recombinant canine IFN-beta was detected in bot h cell extracts and supernatants, and the IFN activities of the culture sup ernatants were also detected. Inhibition of N-linked glycosylation by tunic amycin treatment indicated that the recombinant canine IFN-beta was modifie d by N-linked glycosylation in a different way between RK13 and A72 cells, and that N-linked glycosylation is essential for its secretion. The growth of vv/cIFN-beta at a low multiplicity of infection was inhibited by antivir al activity of canine IFN-beta, indicating that this recombinant virus coul d be used as a suicide viral vector. (C) 2000 Federation of European Bioche mical Societies.