Abstract: Cloned, i.e. defined, defective interfering (DI) influenza A virus is produced in embryonated hens eggs using a method which generates large quantities of DI virus material. Co-administration of cloned DI influenza A virus with a lethal dose of virulent influenza A virus conferred protection in mice compared to a control of inactivated cloned DI influenza A virus. Control mice which received only cloned DI influenza A virus and no lethal challenge of virulent influenza A virus were not protected three weeks later on lethal challenge with infective virus. Cloned DI influenza A virus of one subtype is found to act in vivo as an effective antiviral against the same or any other sub-type of influenza A virus. The antiviral effect has been found to have both a therapeutic and a prophylactic application against influenza A infection in humans, mammals and birds.

Abstract: The invention relates to virology and the prevention and/or treatment of viral infection and disease in animals, including birds and humans. The invention relates to the field of antiviral treatments. The invention further relates to methods of stimulating innate immunity and natural interferon production in humans or animals and in component parts of humans or animals, including cells and tissues. The invention also relates to the field of defective interfering (DI) viruses, including cloned DI viruses.

Abstract: Cloned, i.e. defined, defective interfering (DI) influenza A virus is produced in embryonated hens eggs using a method which generates large quantities of DI virus material. Cloned DI virus is then used in tests on mice and ferrets given a lethal challenge of wild-type influenza A virus. When cloned DI influenza A virus is co-administered with a lethal dose of virulent influenza A virus, mice are protected compared to a control of inactivated cloned DI influenza A virus. Mice which survived the administration of cloned DI influenza A virus and infective challenge virus are three weeks later still protected against lethal challenge with infective virus. Control mice which received only cloned DI influenza A virus and no lethal challenge are not protected three weeks later on lethal challenge with infective virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to virology and the prevention and/or treatment of viral infection and disease in animals, including birds and humans. The invention relates to the field of antiviral treatments. The invention further relates to methods of stimulating innate immunity and natural interferon production in humans or animals and in component parts of humans or animals, including cells and tissues. The invention also relates to the field of defective interfering (DI) viruses, including cloned DI viruses.

Abstract: Cloned, i.e. defined, defective interfering (DI) influenza A virus is produced in embryonated hens eggs using a method which generates large quantities of DI virus material. Cloned DI virus is then used in tests on mice and ferrets given a lethal challenge of wild-type influenza A virus. When cloned DI influenza A virus is co-administered with a lethal dose of virulent influenza A virus, mice are protected compared to a control of inactivated cloned DI influenza A virus. Mice which survived the administration of cloned DI influenza A virus and infective challenge virus are three weeks later still protected against lethal challenge with infective virus. Control mice which received only cloned DI influenza A virus and no lethal challenge are not protected three weeks later on lethal challenge with infective virus.