Interferon does not inactivate viruses or viral RNA. Virus growth is inhibited in interferon-treated cells, but apart from conferring resistance to virus growth, no other effect of interferon on cells has been definitely shown to take place. Interferon binds to cells even in the cold, but a period of incubation at 37°C is required for development of antiviral activity. Cytoplasmic uptake of interferon has not been unequivocally demonstrated. Studies with antimetabolites indicate that the antiviral action of interferon requires host RNA and protein synthesis. Experiments with 2-mercapto-1(ß-4-pyridethyl) benzimidazole (MPB) suggest that an additional step is required between the binding and the synthesis of macromolecules. Interferon does not affect the adsorption, penetration, or uncoating of RNA or DNA viruses, but viral RNA synthesis is inhibited in cells infected with RNA viruses. The main action of interferon appears to be the inhibition of the translation of virus genetic information probably by inhibiting the initiation of virus protein synthesis.
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1 July 1970
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July 01 1970
Studies on the Mechanism of Interferon Action
Robert M. Friedman
Robert M. Friedman
From the Viral Oncology and Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Pathology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014
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Robert M. Friedman
From the Viral Oncology and Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Pathology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014
Online ISSN: 1540-7748
Print ISSN: 0022-1295
Copyright © 1970 by The Rockefeller University Press
1970
J Gen Physiol (1970) 56 (1): 149–171.
Citation
Robert M. Friedman; Studies on the Mechanism of Interferon Action . J Gen Physiol 1 July 1970; 56 (1): 149–171. doi: https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.56.1.149
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