Poly , effect against viruses

A number of polysaccharides activate the interferon system 18, 63) a natural body defense against virus attack. These include a (1 - 6)-a-D-mannopyranan to which are attached (l- 2)-a-D-mannopyranan side chains 64-66). The backbone of this polysaccharide has now been duplicated synthetically (67) A number of polyanions and oxidized polysaccharides are also effective 68,69), but have been considered less attractive clinical possibilities than the synthetic polynucleotide poly (I C) 63, 72). The activity of poly (I C) can also be enhanced by the use of DEAE dextran 73, 74). Recently a small molecule Tilorone hydrochloride has also been found effective and a variety of related non-polymeric materials are now being investigated (75) for interferon activation,... 

Coriolus versicolor (L. ex Fr.) Quel. Yun Chih Polysaccharides, poly saccharapeptide.415416417418 Antimetastatic effect, anti-lung cancer, tumor inhibition, against immunodeficiency virus. 

The interferon-inducing ability of poly I C was first demonstrated in cell systems in 1968 [105] and this was shortly followed by details of its curative effects on a herpes virus infection of a rabbit s eye [106], and on various virus infections of animals [107]. Since then there have been a large numbo- of papers on its antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo. Human cell cultures appear to be protected against the common respiratory viruses at doses of poly I C (01-10 pg/ml) which are much lower than those required to induce detectable interferon (50 pg/ml) [108]. This and similar observations pose difficult questions as to the mode of action of poly I C. It has been suggested that small doses of the compound result in the synthesis of a pre-interferon which can produce an antiviral state without detectable free interferon. This pre-interferon can be converted to detectable interferon by antimetabolites, endotoxin or by larger doses of poly I C itself [109]. 

JENSEN I, ALBUQUERQUE A, SOMMER Ai, ROBERTSEN B. Effect of poly I C ou the expression of Mx proteins and resistance against infection by infectious salmon anaemia virus in Atlantic salmon. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2002,13,311-326. 

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