Synthesis of a Combined Fragment of Interferon, AeHuIFN a A(30-43)-(123-137)-NH2 Interferon May not be a Sychnologieal Peptide *

AeHuIFN a A( 30-43)-( 123-137)-NH2, Ac-Leu-Lys-Asp-Arg-His-Asp-Phe-Gly-PhePro-Gln-Glu-Glu-Phe-Phe-Gln-Arg-Ile-Thr-Leu-Tyr-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Tyr-SerPro-NH2 was synthesized toward encompassing the "active site" of the interferons. The design of this 29-amino acid peptide was based on considerations of homology between the different interferons and on combining two regions of interferons, and on known and predicted structural features. The peptide was characterized by amino acid analysis, thin layer chromatography in several systems, and by HPLC. As tested, the peptide neither showed antiviral activity nor blocked antiviral activity of interferon, indicating that the active site was not encompassed or that interferon may not be a sychnologieal peptide.