Affinity of human leukocyte interferon for polyribonucleotides

Human leukocyte interferon (HL-IF)binds to AGPOLY(A)TM, AGPOLY(U)TM and AGPOLY(I)TM. The bound interferon could be displaced from all three polyribonucleotides by including sodium chloride in the eluant. The nature of interaction of HL-IF with polyribonucleotides is electrostatic and not hydrophobic since its binding was not prevented in the presence of 50% ethylene glycol. The binding of HL-IF on AGPOLY(I)TM is stronger at lower pH since an increase in ionic strength is required to displace it.