Artificial Proteins with Antiviral Properties of α-Interferons

Consensus 30-36 sequence LKDRHDF of human α-interferons is inserted into the C- and N-terminal sequences of the artificial protein albeferon using genetic engineering methods in order to obtain artificial proteins with antiviral activity. Albeferon, obtained by Dolgikh et al. (Protein Eng., 1996, vol. 9, pp. 195-201), already contains the IFN-α2 130-137 fragment and possesses antiproliferative activity comparable with that of IFN-α2. According to CD spectroscopy, both proteins have regular secondary structures similar to that of the precursor protein. They exhibit antiviral activities, and the activity of one of them is comparable with that of IFN-α2. At the same time, their cytotoxic properties are displayed only at relatively high concentrations, which substantially exceed the minimal antiviral concentrations.