Modulation of human interferon- biosynthesis by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides

We investigated the inhibition of human interferon-γ (HuIFN-γ) production in cultures of lymphocytes with the use of the antisense strategy. Out of a series of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) complementary to different regions of the HuIFN-γ gene, a 16-mer specific for a sequence including the translation initiation codon was the most effective. Here we describe a detailed protocol for the isolation of lymphocytes from buffy coats, the rational design of antisense ODN, and the monitoring of HuIFN-γ production of the antisense ODN-treated cells.