The Molecular Aspects of Functional Activity of Macrophage-Activating Factor GcMAF

Group-specific component macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) is the vitamin D3-binding protein (DBP) deglycosylated at Thr420. The protein is believed to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties associated with the activation of macrophagal immunity. An original method for GcMAF production, DBP conversion to GcMAF, and the analysis of the activating potency of GcMAF was developed in this study. Data unveiling the molecular causes of macrophage activation were obtained. GcMAF was found to interact with three CLEC10A derivatives having molecular weights of 29 kDa, 63 kDa, and 65 kDa. GcMAF interacts with high-molecular-weight derivatives via Ca2+-dependent receptor engagement. Binding to the 65 kDa or 63 kDa derivative determines the pro- and anti-inflammatory direction of cytokine mRNA expression: 65 kDa-pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β) and 63 kDa-anti-inflammatory (TGF-β, IL-10). No Ca2+ ions are required for the interaction with the canonical 29 kDa CLEC10A. Both forms, DBP protein and GcMAF, bind to the 29 kDa CLEC10A. This interaction is characterized by the stochastic mRNA synthesis of the analyzed cytokines. Ex vivo experiments have demonstrated that when there is an excess of GcMAF ligand, CLEC10A forms aggregate, and the mRNA synthesis of analyzed cytokines is inhibited. A schematic diagram of the presumable mechanism of interaction between the CLEC10A derivatives and GcMAF is provided. The principles and elements of standardizing the GcMAF preparation are elaborated.

Assessment of Safety and Prophylactic Efficacy of the EpiVacCorona Peptide Vaccine for COVID-19 Prevention (Phase III)

The State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR" of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) has developed the peptide-based EpiVacCorona vaccine, which is the first synthetic peptide-based antiviral vaccine for mass immunization in international vaccinology. An early clinical trial (Phase I-II) demonstrated that the EpiVacCorona vaccine is a safe product. The "Multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparative, randomized trial to assess the tolerability, safety, immunogenicity and prophylactic efficacy of the EpiVacCorona COVID-19 vaccine based on peptide antigens in 3000 volunteers aged 18 years and older" was performed regarding vaccine safety. The key objectives of the study were to evaluate the safety and prophylactic efficacy of the two-dose EpiVacCorona vaccine administered via the intramuscular route. The results of the clinical study (Phase III) demonstrated the safety of the EpiVacCorona vaccine. Vaccine administration was accompanied by mild local reactions in ≤27% of cases and mild systemic reactions in ≤14% of cases. The prophylactic efficacy of the EpiVacCorona COVID-19 vaccine after the completion of the vaccination series was 82.5% (CI95 = 75.3-87.6%). The high safety and efficacy of the vaccine give grounds for recommending this vaccine for regular seasonal prevention of COVID-19 as a safe and effective medicinal product.

SARS-CoV-2 RBD Conjugated to Polyglucin, Spermidine, and dsRNA Elicits a Strong Immune Response in Mice

Despite the rapid development and approval of several COVID vaccines based on the full-length spike protein, there is a need for safe, potent, and high-volume vaccines. Considering the predominance of the production of neutralizing antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S-protein after natural infection or vaccination, it makes sense to choose RBD as a vaccine immunogen. However, due to its small size, RBD exhibits relatively poor immunogenicity. Searching for novel adjuvants for RBD-based vaccine formulations is considered a good strategy for enhancing its immunogenicity. Herein, we assess the immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RBD conjugated to a polyglucin:spermidine complex (PGS) and dsRNA (RBD-PGS + dsRNA) in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly twice, with a 2-week interval, with 50 µg of RBD, RBD with Al(OH)₃, or conjugated RBD. A comparative analysis of serum RBD-specific IgG and neutralizing antibody titers showed that PGS, PGS + dsRNA, and Al(OH)₃ enhanced the specific humoral response in animals. There was no significant difference between the groups immunized with RBD-PGS + dsRNA and RBD with Al(OH)₃. Additionally, the study of the T-cell response in animals showed that, unlike adjuvants, the RBD-PGS + dsRNA conjugate stimulates the production of specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in animals.

Safety and Pharmacokinetics of the Substance of the Anti-Smallpox Drug NIOCH-14 after Oral Administration to Laboratory Animals

BACKGROUND

Since most of the modern human population has no anti-smallpox immunity, it is extremely important to develop and implement effective drugs for the treatment of smallpox and other orthopoxvirus infections. The objective of this study is to determine the main characteristics of the chemical substance NIOCH-14 and its safety and bioavailability in the body of laboratory animals.

METHODS

The safety of NIOCH-14 upon single- or multiple-dose intragastric administration was assessed according to its effect on the main hematological and pathomorphological parameters of laboratory mice and rats. In order to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of NIOCH-14 administered orally, a concentration of ST-246, the active metabolite of NIOCH-14, in mouse blood and organs was determined by tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The intragastric administration of NIOCH-14 at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight caused neither death nor signs of intoxication in mice. The intragastric administration of NIOCH-14 to mice and rats at doses of 50 and 150 µg/g body weight either as a single dose or once daily during 30 days did not cause animal death or critical changes in hematological parameters and the microstructure of internal organs. The tissue availability of NIOCH-14 administered orally to the mice at a dose of 50 µg/g body weight, which was calculated according to concentrations of its active metabolite ST-246 for the lungs, liver, kidney, brain, and spleen, was 100, 69.6, 63.3, 26.8 and 20.3%, respectively. The absolute bioavailability of the NIOCH-14 administered orally to mice at a dose of 50 µg/g body weight was 22.8%.

CONCLUSION

Along with the previously determined efficacy against orthopoxviruses, including the smallpox virus, the substance NIOCH-14 was shown to be safe and bioavailable in laboratory animal experiments.

Double-stranded RNAs are promising adjuvants for enhancing immunogenicity of vaccines

Background. The most effective way to prevent infectious diseases is vaccination. Adjuvants contribute to the optimization of the immune response of vaccines. Double-stranded ribonucleic acids (dsRNAs) from natural sources are promising, but insufficiently studied adjuvants. The aim of the work was to study the adjuvant activity of dsRNA obtained from the killer strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using two models of induction of a specific immune response. Materials and methods. In the experiments, the substance of the drug Ridostin containing dsRNA, 21.72% (produced by Institute of Medical Biotechnology of the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector), was used. A specific immune response was modeled using ovalbumin (OVA) or the substance of the EpiVacCorona vaccine (EVC). The experiments were carried out in 200 female BALB/c mice. Mice of the experimental groups were injected twice with antigen and adjuvant together with a 28-day interval, mice of the comparison group with antigen only. On the 10th day after the second immunization, blood samples were collected to determine the level of specific antibodies using enzyme immunoassay. The results were evaluated by calculation of the average geometric titers of specific antibodies against OVA or EVC. Results. OVA or EVC administered twice induced the specific antibodies in mice in dose-dependent titers. The combined administration of antigen and dsRNA increased the strength of the immune response. The highest stimulating effect of dsRNA was observed in the dose of 100 g/mouse administered into mice immunized with OVA (1 g/mouse) or in the dose of 50 g/mouse in mice immunized with EVC substance (0.25 of a human dose per mouse). Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that the substance of dsRNA exerts adjuvant properties, which gives reason to consider dsRNA as a promising adjuvant for peptide vaccines.

Self-Assembled Particles Combining SARS-CoV-2 RBD Protein and RBD DNA Vaccine Induce Synergistic Enhancement of the Humoral Response in Mice

Despite the fact that a range of vaccines against COVID-19 have already been created and are used for mass vaccination, the development of effective, safe, technological, and affordable vaccines continues. We have designed a vaccine that combines the recombinant protein and DNA vaccine approaches in a self-assembled particle. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was conjugated to polyglucin:spermidine and mixed with DNA vaccine (pVAXrbd), which led to the formation of particles of combined coronavirus vaccine (CCV-RBD) that contain the DNA vaccine inside and RBD protein on the surface. CCV-RBD particles were characterized with gel filtration, electron microscopy, and biolayer interferometry. To investigate the immunogenicity of the combined vaccine and its components, mice were immunized with the DNA vaccine pVAXrbd or RBD protein as well as CCV-RBD particles. The highest antigen-specific IgG and neutralizing activity were induced by CCV-RBD, and the level of antibodies induced by DNA or RBD alone was significantly lower. The cellular immune response was detected only in the case of DNA or CCV-RBD vaccination. These results demonstrate that a combination of DNA vaccine and RBD protein in one construct synergistically increases the humoral response to RBD protein in mice.

[Development of drugs on the basis of high-polymeric double-stranded RNA for antiviral and antitumor therapy]

The review summarizes literature data on the development of drugs based on natural and synthetic high-polymeric double-stranded RNA, and their antiviral, immunoadjuvant and antitumor properties. Special attention is paid to cell receptors responding to exogenous dsRNA, the paths of dsRNA-dependent antiviral reaction, ability of dsRNA to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis ofmalignant cells. It has been shown that enhancing the innate immune response with dsRNA can be an effective component in improving methods for treating and preventing infectious and cancer diseases. The further use of dsRNA for the correction of pathological processes of different origin is discussed.

[An antitumor osteotropic agent based on tumor necrosis factor]

A novel drug for treatment of bone metastases based on human recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) has been designed. The drug is a molecular structure containing yeast double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) covered by the conjugate of polyanion dextran with TNF-alpha and bisphosphonate, alendronic acid. The structure is characterized by the combination of substances possessing antitumor activity (TNF-alpha, dsRNA) and a vector molecule (bisphosphonate) providing tropism to hydroxyapatite, the main mineral component of the bone tissue matrix. The conjugation conditions were optimized and the conjugates of TNF-alpha and alendronic acid with dextran were synthesized. Molecular structures were obtained by self-assembly, and the resulting complexes were separated by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-6B. The electrophoretic analysis method revealed decreased mobility of dsRNA in the complex with the conjugate as compared to the mobility of the original dsRNA. This confirms formation of the designed structures. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of particles with sizes of 30-40 nm in the drug. Evaluation by the sorption/desorption method showed a higher affinity of TNF-alpha conjugates to hydroxyapatite as compared to the original TNF-alpha molecules (from 1.0 to 1.8 mol/L vs. 0.3 mol/L of potassium phosphate buffer for desorption, respectively).

Attenuated Salmonella enteritidis E23 as a vehicle for the rectal delivery of DNA vaccine coding for HIV-1 polyepitope CTL immunogen

This study is focusing on elucidation of the capacity of attenuated Salmonella enteritidis E23 (cya, crp) to serve as a vehicle for the rectal delivery of the DNA vaccine. Earlier for creation HIV‐1 candidate DNA vaccine we have designed the polyepitope protein TCI (T‐cell immunogen), which comprises over 80 CTL epitopes from subtype A, B and C HIV‐1 proteins. The gene coding for TCI protein was used to construct the eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA‐TCI. The attenuated S. enteritidis E23 was transformed by electroporation with recombinant plasmid pcDNA‐TCI and the expression of the TCI gene was determined in vitro and in vivo. BALB/c mice were rectally immunized with S. enteritidis E23/pcDNA‐TCI (10⁸ cfu) twice at 4 week interval. Bacteria were not pathogenic for mice and spontaneously eliminated from mice spleen and liver to 60 days post the immunization. Detectable antibodies were generated in 2 weeks after immunization and their level increased after second immunization. The results of INF‐γ ELISpot show that mice immunized with S. enteritidis E23/pcDNA‐TCI elicited HIV‐specific cellular immune response. This study demonstrates that attenuated S. enteritidis E23 is an effective live vector for rectal delivery of the DNA vaccine pcDNA‐TCI to generate humoral and T‐cellular responses against HIV‐1.

[Efficacy of combined administration of ridostin and oseltamivir (tamiflu) for therapy and prophylaxis of experimental infection induced by influenza virus A (H5N1) in mice]

AIM

Study of possibility of treatment-prophylaxis effect increase during combined administration of ridostin and tamiflu in experiments in mice infected with highly pathogenic influenza virus strain A/chicken/Kurgan/05/2005 (H5N1).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Balb/c line mice infected intranasally with influenza virus at 100 and 10 LD50 doses received ridostin and tamiflu as monopreparation or the combined variant before or after the infection. The mice were observed for 16 days, lethality rate, protection coefficient and average life span were evaluated. Virus concentration in lungs was determined by using titration in MDCK cell line.

RESULTS

Combined administration ofridostin and tamiflu after the infection increased survivability of the animals when compared with the control group, and reduced influenza virus concentration in lungs.

CONCLUSION

Treatment effect during combined administration of ridostin and tamiflu after influenza virus infection increased.

[Biological properties of a prolonged action interferon inductor]

AIM

Evaluation of composite formulation of yeast double stranded RNA with polyglucinum (dsRNA-PG) effect on non-specific antiviral resistance factors in mice in comparison with commercial formulation Ridostin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

dsRNA and Ridostin formulations were injected intramuscularly once at the dose of 5 mg/ml, polyglucinum--at the dose of 3.75 mg/ml. 3, 5, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the injection serum interferon levels, neutrophil oxidation-reduction activity parameters, peritoneal macrophage phagocyte activity levels were analyzed in mice blood samples.

RESULTS

New dsRNA and polyglucinum containing composite formulation is a non-specific resistance system stimulator. dsRNA-PG effect on interferon synthesis and mice phagocyte activity was higher than with Ridostin and developed earlier. Neutrophil function activation by the formulation had a prolonged effect. A possible explanation for increased activity of dsRNA and polyglucinum composite formulation is a modulating effect by the polysaccharide component.

CONCLUSION

The new formulation may have a more intensive and prolonged protective effect against influenza virus in comparison with Ridostin.

[Antitumor properties of a liposomal form of a differentiation factor HLDF fragment in cultured cells]

Cytotoxic properties of a liposomal form of the HLDF6 hexapeptide, representing an HL-60 cell differentiation factor fragment, have been studied on a murine primary lymphosarcoma cell culture. It is established that the liposomal HLDF6 peptide is capable of inhibiting proliferation and enhancing death of the cells of both LS and RLS lymphosarcoma strains distinguished by their sensitivity to cytostatic agents. The effect of the preparation is determined by its antiproliferative and apoptogenic actions on the cells. Free HLDF6 peptide showed a lower cytotoxic activity with respect to the tumor cells as compared to the liposomal preparation.

[Detection of the markers of hepatites B and C and herpesvirus infection during pregnancy]

AIM

Identification of clinico-epidemiologic features of pareneteral hepatites (HB and HC) and herpesvirus infections (cytomegalovirus, CMVand herpes simplexvirus, HSV) duringpregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred pregnant women as well as 150 women--blood donors who comprised a control group were tested in Cheboksary (Chuvash Republic). There were no persons vaccinated against HB in both groups. Diagnostics of the HB and HC as well as CMV and HSV infections was performed by ELISA--HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc IgM and IgG, anti-HCV as well as IgM and IgG to CMV and HSV were determined; PCR was used to detect HBV DNA and HCV RNA.

RESULTS

Moderate prevalence of HB and HC markers in pregnant (31% and 3% respectively) and donor women (34% and 2% respectively) as well as widespread prevalence of herpesvirus infections' markers (from 71% to 94.5%) was established. The studied women had no clinical manifestations of HB or HC as well as CMV or HSV infections at the time of the study. The study revealed the following: association between complications of pregnancy and detected markers of HB, HC, and herpesvirus infections according to trimester; detection rate of HBV and HCV markers in combination with CMV and HSV markers in pregnant women; association of pregnancy complications with presence of HB and HC markers with combination of herpesvirus infection markers.

CONCLUSION

It was shown that pregnant women with presence of markers of studied infections present a risk group for development of miscarriage threat, inflammatory processes in placenta and amniotic membranes, and untrauterine fetal growth retardation.

[Investigation of antitumor activity of the hexamer fraction of HLDF-6 peptide as a differentiation factor in hemoblastoma-bearing mice]

A study of antitumor properties of HLDF-6 was carried out in DBA/2 mice with transplantable ascites lympholeukemia P-388 as well as in tumor cell culture. Immunomodulating characteristics were evaluated. Five-fold administration of HLDF-6 peptide to tumor-bearing mice inhibited tumor growth thus extending survival. As a result metabolic activity decreased which was followed by longer survival of lympholeukemia P-388 cells and enhanced cytological effect of peritoneal macrophages on tumor cells of the same strain.

Combined virus-like particle-based polyepitope DNA/protein HIV-1 vaccine design, immunogenicity and toxicity studies

We have previously described designing of polyepitope immunogens TBI and TCI, to stimulate the humoral and cellular immune responses to HIV-1. Here, immunogens TBI and TCI were used to create new vaccine construct named CombiHIVvac (Combined HIV-1 vaccine). CombiHIVvac is a virus-like particles (VLP) containing the DNA vaccine pcDNA-TCI as a core encapsulated within a spermidine-polyglucin-TBI conjugate. The immunogenic and toxic properties of the candidate vaccine CombiHIVvac have been studied. CombiHIVvac induces a strong humoral and CTL responses in mice; the antibodies are highly specific and are able to neutralize HIV-1 in vitro. Preclinical study demonstrated that CombiHIVvac does not cause long-term changes in physiological, biochemical and morphological parameters in immunized animals and thus can be recommended for clinical trials.

[Results of Befnorin clinical trails in healthy volunteers]

Clinical trails of Befnorin based on the human recombinant TNF-beta elaborated at the Research Design and Technology Institute of Biologically Active Substances, "Vector" State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, were carried out on healthy volunteers in compliance with a decision passed by the Committee of Medical and Immunobiological Preparations, Russia's Health Ministry. Single Befnorin doses of 5-10(4) U, 10(5) U, 5-10(5) U, and 10(6) U were administered as intramuscular injections. Clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters were registered for 7 days after a single dose. The drug had an impact on the below immunity indices: Fc-phagocytosis of monocytes, migration index and migration inhibition index. The dose of 10(5) U was proven to be most effective and safe. Supposedly, the drug can be effective in the treatment of herpetic diseases.

[Effects of the dsRNA interferon inducer on the interaction between macrophages and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro]

Effects of the IFN inducer, yeast dsRNA, produced on the interaction between mouse macrophages and phagocytized mycobacteria were experimentally studied in vitro. Mycobacteria were shown to reproduce in macrophages in their initial infection at a ratio of 1:1.25, 1:2.5, 1:5 and 1:10, which was confirmed by an increased insertion of 5.6-[3H]-uracil in M. tuberculosis H37Rv; they also had a destructive impact on macrophages as verified by a higher release of lactic dehydrogenase (LDG) from macrophages. The dsRNA preparation, 40.0, 80.0 and 120.0 microg/ml, was demonstrated to decrease the insertion amount of labeled uracil in phagocytized mycobacteria at a macrophage:mycobacteria ratio of 1:10 and 1:100. The effect depended on a preparation dose and infection degree of macrophages. A decreased release of specific LDG from infected macrophages was shown under the same conditions. The dsRNA affects the interplay of macrophages and phagocytized mycobacteria through inhibiting the vitality of intracellular mycobacteria and through enhancing the stability of macrophages. Special studies denoted that dsRNA, 40.0 microg/ml and 120 microg/ml, activated the production of peroxidation compounds by neutrophils, which phagocytized the sheep erythrocytes. Finally, a possible mechanism of dsRNA impact on the interaction between macrophages and mycobacteria phagocytized by them is under discussion.

[Outlooks for using the interferon inducers in the treatment and prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral diseases]

The methods of treatment by using the stimulators of the non-specific resistance system have been growing even more topical. Drugs based on interferon (INF) and its inducers belong to the group. IFN is of key importance in the regulation of antiviral immunity. The use of IFN inducers can be referred to as the most promising approach to enhancing and activating the body resistance mechanisms. The advantages of IFN inducers before IFN drugs, a wide spectrum of antiviral effects, compatibility with many pharmaceuticals, good tolerability by patients and effectiveness in different administration modes served as a basis for designing a new class of antiviral drugs--IFN inducers. A lot of experimental medical-and-biological research was made to evaluate the efficiency of IFN inducers in influenza. They were shown to possess a pronounced therapeutic-and-preventive action in experiment and clinical trials. Synthetic and natural dsRNA belong to IFN inducers. Multiple research made in cell culture and with experimental animals demonstrated a high interferon-inducing and antiviral activity of double-stranded RNA against influenza virus. A number of dsRNA-based IFN inducers are permitted for clinical use. Data obtained in clinical trials of such inducers are indicative of their pronounced therapeutic-and-clinical effect. Hence, the IFN inducers having different structures and origins can be regarded as promising in the treatment and prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral diseases.

[The impact of compound of double-stranded RNA and hyaluronic acid on the parameters of non-specific resistance in mice]

The effect of yeast double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and of hyaluronic acid (HA) compositions produced on the interferon synthesis, peritoneal phagocytic activity of macrophages and on the hematological parameters were studied in an experiment with white noninbred mice. HA was shown to enhance the dsRNA-induced interferon synthesis, to inhibit the leukopenic reaction and to produce no effect on the phagocytosis-stimulating activity. The data obtained are indicative of that HA is a promising preparation regarding its use within the interferon-inducing compositions based on dsRNA.

[Effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha on the efficiency of anti-rabies vaccination]

Recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) improved the survival of random-bred albino mice vaccinated with antirabies vaccine after infection with rabies CVS strain. The agent dose of 0.1 microgram/animal, injected 1 day postvaccination, was the most effective. Improvement of antiviral resistance of non-vaccinated mice under the effect of TNF-alpha suggests that the effect of this factor on nonspecific resistance factors is one of the probable mechanisms of its modulating effect.

[Study of the antiviral activity, pharmacokinetics and toxic properties of liposomal form of human alpha-2b interferon administered topically]

Human liposomal recombinant alpha 2b-interferon topically applied to laboratory animals was tested for antiviral activity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. The interferon was shown to penetrate through the skin and to circulate in the blood of experimental animals longer than its injectable form, and to exhibit its antiviral activity against genital herpes in guinea pigs. It produced no toxic, skin-irritant, or allergic effects in laboratory animals.

[The activation of phagocytosis by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-beta]

The functional activity of phagocytic cells of various types was studied in white non-inbred mice by administering recombinant human tumor necrosis beta (rhTNF-beta). It was shown that rhTNF-beta increased phagocytic activity of the peritoneal exudate, spleen and liver macrophages as well as blood polynuclears. Stimulation of neutrophils was demonstrated in earlier times after administration of the preparation as compared to macrophages (3 h and 24 h, respectively). The duration of the macrophage activation effect and its expression depended on the dose of the preparation and were the most notable when rhTNF-beta was administered in doses of 10(3)-10(5) U/20 g. The addition of reopolyglucin, the polysaccharide filler, didn't remove a stimulatory effect of rhTNF-beta on macrophages, but influenced its dynamics. Multiple administration of the preparation didn't cause the phagocytosis stimulation effect.

[The immunoregulatory properties of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-beta in mice opposite-reacting to antigen]

The effect of 10(3)-10(5) E/20 g doses of the recombinant factor of human beta tumor necrosis (rFNT-beta) on formation of the immune response and macrophage functional activity was studied in CBA and C57Bl/6 mice that differ in genetically determined level of the immune response to an antigen (sheep erythrocytes). The rFNT-beta was found to cause a modulating effect on the cell and humoral links of the immune response. The effect of the agent depended on the dose and the genotype of the experimental animals. It is suggested that the interlinear differences in the intensity of the humoral immune response in rFNT-beta administration may be connected with the different sensitivity to the agent of the peritoneal macrophages of mice of the used lines.

[Experimental study of therapeutical properties and safety of king crab collagenase-containing ointment]

The effects of ointment containing king crab (Paralithodes camtschatica) collagenase on intact skin, thermal, and pyonecrotic wounds were studied in rats by using hematological, biochemical, immunological, and morphological methods. The ointment for the skin and viscera was shown to be safe. It is highly effective in debriding the infected wounds. Different concentrations of collagenase were tested. The concentration of collagenase was recommended to be 0.2 mg/g ointment for use.

[Design of stimulating agents of non-specific resistance system]

The paper briefly reviews a study on the design of drugs enhancing the body's nonspecific resistance to pathogenic agents. To examine the potential regulatory effects on cytokine function was a main trend. The interferon inductor ridostin, dsRNA of microbiological origin, cytokines, as well as the recombinant probiotic strain yielding interferon alpha-2 synthesis were used as a pharmacological agent. This was shown by using a wide range of experimental models wherein these preparations activated the components of the non-specific resistance system resulting in the host's increased capacity to eliminate invasive agents and transformed cells.

[Features of formation of antiviral resistance upon local application of the interferon inducer ridostin]

Antiviral potency of an ointment dosage form of interferon (IF) inducer ridostin has been demonstrated in guinea pigs with genital herpes. Early beginning of therapy led to a 72% decrease of the intensity of clinical signs with cure 12-13 days earlier than in the control. Application of ridostin ointment onto the skin of intact animals caused an increase of IF level in the blood and of the phagocytic activity of peritoneal exudation macrophages. Ridostin effect on the total-systems factors of nonspecific defense appears to be one mechanism in the formation of antiviral resistance upon external application of this IF inducer.

[Toxic properties of recombinant tumor necrosis factor]

Toxic properties of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF-beta) were studied on noninbred albino mice. In the maximum tolerable doses the preparation induced a decrease in the body weight and temperature of the animals as well as development of glyco- and leukopenic reactions and damage of the internal organ structures. The preparation effects were observed early after the exposure and were mainly reversible. The most TNF-beta sensitive organs were the liver, lungs, adrenal gland, thymus and spleen. The major link in the pathological process development under the effect of the TNF-beta toxic doses was likely increased intravascular blood coagulability evident from a marked procoagulant activity of the preparation.

[Changes in the parameters of nonspecific protection of mice upon inoculation of double-stranded RNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts]

The results of the study of the effect of double-stranded (ds) RNA from killer yeasts Sac. cerevisiae on the parameters of nonspecific protection are presented. Inoculation of dsRNA in a dose of 5 mg/kg intramuscularly was shown to induce interferon production, to increase body temperature, the activity of adrenal cortex, phagocytic activity of macrophages of the peritoneal exudate and blood neutrophils, the level of lysozyme in the blood, and the activity of macrophage acid phosphatase. The increase in the functional activity of the system components was observed at similar intervals, within 3-6 hours after administration of the preparation. The mutual induction of factors of nonspecific protection and their cooperative participation in the formation of antiviral resistance under the effect of dsRNA is discussed.