High-level expression of a chemically synthesized gene for human interferon-gamma using a prokaryotic expression vector.

A chemically synthesized gene for human interferon-gamma has been cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector under the regulation of a synthetic constitutive transcriptional-translational control unit that contains a strong bacteriophage T5 early promoter and a strong ribosome-binding site. Cells harboring the recombinant plasmid express high levels (4 X 10(9) units per liter of culture) of antiviral activity specific for interferon-gamma. Analysis of total cell lysates on NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gels revealed a 17,200-dalton protein, expected for the nonglycosylated form of human interferon-gamma, that constitutes greater than 15% of total cell protein.