Enhancement of delayed-type hypersensitivity and induction of interferon by the lipophilic agents DDA and CP-20,961

The lipophilic amines dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA) and N,N-dioctadecyl-N′, N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)propanediamine (CP-20,961) are compared on their capacities to induce interferon, nonspecific protection to viral infection, and enhancement of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DH). DDA, a well-known adjuvant for the induction of DH is a moderate interferon inducer like CP-20,961. On the other hand, CP-20,961, a known interferon inducer and resembling in structure DDA, is shown to enhance DH to inactivated Semliki Forest virus (SFV). Nonspecific protection to challenge with a lethal dose of either SFV or encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus was induced on injection of both compounds.