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An interferon (IFN)‐γ immunoreactive molecule, localized to small neurons in peripheral sensory ganglia (N‐IFN‐γ), has been detected with two mouse monoclonal antibodies (DB1 and DB16) directed against different epitopes of rat IFN‐γ. To define N‐IFN‐γ with regard to its protein characteristics and bioactivities, DB1 and DB16 were used to purify N‐IFN‐γ from rat trigeminal ganglia in a two‐step sequential antibody‐affinity procedure. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining of purified N‐IFN‐γ displayed three bands with an approximate molecular mass of 66, 62 and 54 kDa. The N‐IFN‐γ bioactivity was confined to the protein stained on gel when native material was run on PAGE. Biological effects of pure N‐IFN‐γ were examined and compared with those of lymphocyte‐derived recombinant IFN‐γ. N‐IFN‐γ had antiviral effects in vitro and induced major …