Action of interferon on cell membrane of mouse lymphocytes: Inhibition of ligand-induced redistribution of surface receptors

Abstract

Mouse interferon at 50–100 U/ml or higher concentrations inhibited cap formation of surface components on mouse lymphocytes induced by anti-lymphocyte serum, concanavalin A (ConA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and soybean agglutinin (SBA). Interferon from species other than mouse were not effective, suggesting that interferon itself in the preparations used was responsible for the observed effect. The inhibition was observed immediately after addition of interferon, without preincubation of cells with it. The effect was reversible, disappearing after a short lag when interferon was removed. The effect may thus be a reflection of a rapid change in cell membrane upon binding of interferon molecules. On the other hand, the cap formation by anti-immunoglobulin, anti-thy 1, 2, anti-H-2 sera and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) were not influenced by interferon at all, indicating that the inhibition by interferon was not a general phenomenon. The cap formations susceptible to interferon are those that are enhanced by pretreatment of cells with colchicine and are accompanied by marked uropod formation, but those insusceptible to interferon occur readily, becoming sharp spots which are then shed. It is suggested that interferon may modify the microtubule-containing structure, it it may selectively affect those membrane components that are anchored to it.