| Summary: | Synthetic double-stranded ribopolynucleotides are inducers of interferon, a protein which increases the resistance of cells to virus attack. This work describes the synthesis of poly (halogenated ribocytidylic acids) and their complex formation with both riboinosinic acid and deoxyriboinosinic acid. The RNA/RNA hybrids are potent interferon inducers with high thermal and nucleolytic stability, the DNA/RNA hybrids are, however, completely inactive . as inducers of interferon. The synthesis and physical properties of poly (5-hydroxycytidylic . acid) are discussed. In basic solution this polymer undergoes a conformational change and can also bind magnesium ions in an unusual manner. The polymer does not hybridise with polyinosinic acid.
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