Interferon Induction by Viruses

Abstract

Interferons are proteins of cellular origin capable of conferring virus resistance to vertebrate cells. Most cells do not produce interferons except in response to proper stimulation. Clearly, the stimulation of interferon production encompasses two phenomena. When stimulated, some cell systems produce their interferons by synthesizing new proteins. Other cell systems do not require the synthesis of new proteins to produce interferons, and still other cell systems may produce interferons by both means. Before much can be learned from the detailed study of the nature of the molecules which stimulate interferons, the type of phenomenon which the stimulus induces must be identified. Chick embryo tissues apparently make interferons by synthesizing new proteins. Many viruses stimulate interferon production in chick embryo tissues. Data available suggest that neither the protein nor nucleic acid moieties of the added virions act as inducing molecules. Also, double-stranded replicative form is probably not responsible. It is suggested that the inducer molecule may be cellular in nature and may be produced in response to a wide variety of insults among which are viral infections.

Cellular Mechanisms of Interferon Production

“…Recent years have witnessed an increased awareness of the complexity of factors involved in interferon production. Some of these complexities have been discussed at this Symposium by Lockart (1) and Burke (2). Most of their studies were performed in cultures of chick embryo cells.…”

Effect of lead on interferon production and antiviral effect of interferon on Marek's disease in chickens

“…The derepression hypothesis of interferon production is widely accepted but it is not proven. None of the genetic elements of the interferon system have been isolated or characterized and likewise the molecule which triggers the depression of the host genome is not known for certain (112). (84,93).…”

Effect of lead on interferon production and antiviral effect of interferon on Marek's disease in chickens

“…The derepression hypothesis of interferon production is widely accepted but it is not proven. None of the genetic elements of the interferon system have been isolated or characterized and likewise the molecule which triggers the depression of the host genome is not known for certain (112). Recent evidence implicates transcription of viral BNA as the basic defect in the virus replication mechanism in interferon-treated cells (14).…”

“…The mode of interferon action has been studied in viral infections and it was observed that interferon does not act directly on virus (60,84,112). Interferon does not prevent virus attachment to the cell or penetration (60,84,93).…”