Interferon inhibits the redistribution of cell surface components

Abstract

Interferon treatment impairs the ability of cells to redistribute cell surface receptors for concanavalin A (Con A). The effect of interferon becomes evident within 3-6 h and is maximal within 36-48 h. Highly purified human fibroblast interferon (>2x108 U/mg of protein sp act; concentration: 640 U/ml) caused ~85% inhibition of capping of fluorescein-conjugated Con A in interferon-sensitive HeLa-S3 cells at 36 h from the beginning of treatment.