6-MFA, an antiviral agent from Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 28706: influence of body weight and mineral oil administration of the antiviral activity in mice.

Sera obtained from mice treated with 6-MFA, an antiviral agent from Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 28706 showing high interferon activity, could be transferred to healthy animals to make them resistant to Semliki Forest Virus (SFV) infection. Body weight of mice directly influenced, within limits, the proportion of treated mice surviving challenge virus infection as well as interferon production. Mineral oil (liquid paraffin, B. P.) administered prior to 6-MFA increased both the level of interferon in serum and the protection rate of the treated animals.