New reporter cell clones to determine the biological activity of human type I interferons

Background Interferons (IFNs) are potent biologically active proteins synthesized and secreted by somatic cells of all mammalian species. They play an important role in the immune response and defence against viruses because they have antiproliferative, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities [1]. They are widely used as biopharmaceuticals, so their potency must be correctly identified. Usually, the biological activity is quantified by a bioassay based on its capacity to induce an antiviral state in target cells. Antiviral assays may be subject to high interand intraassay variations having the drawbacks of using viruses [2]. Therefore, a set a new human cell lines derived from different tissues were developed using the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene under the control of type I IFN-inducible Mx2 promoter. In addition, having reporter gene assays derived from cells of different tissue origins would allow us to design studies aiming to evaluate how IFNs induce their actions through the human body.