Trans-activation of herpes simplex virus type 1 immediate early genes is specifically inhibited by human recombinant interferons.

The effect of human recombinant interferons (IFNs) alpha and gamma on the transcription of Herpes Simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) immediate early (IE) genes has been studied. Human amniotic cells (WISH) were transfected with a chimaeric plasmid containing the regulatory region of the HSV-1 IE genes controlling the expression of a reporter gene (CAT). Subsequently cells were infected with live HSV-1 to trans-activate the IE sequences. When cell samples were treated with IFN alpha or IFN gamma prior to viral infection, transcription of the CAT gene was greatly inhibited.