Modulating effects of interferon preparations on an antibody response in vitro

Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci. 1976 Feb;54(1):11-25. doi: 10.1038/icb.1976.2.

Abstract

The effect of mouse interferon preparations on the primary in vitro antibody response of mouse spleen cells was studied. Concentrations of interferon greater than 8 units per ml significantly inhibited the antibody response while low concentrations of 0-08-0-8 units per ml could be shown to be mildly enhancing. Various treatments which affected the antiviral activity of the interferon preparations reduced the immunosuppressive activity to a similar extent. Interferon acts during the first few hours of a response but the effect is not apparent for at least 50 h. Interferon had no effect when added after 48 h. The kinetic data has been interpreted as demonstrating interferon-sensitive and interferon-resistant components of the in vitro response. The results from investigations of the polyclonal response to lipopolysaccharide support the view that interferon acts mainly on B cells alone, although effects on T-B interactions cannot be excluded.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation*
  • Antibody-Producing Cells / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Erythrocytes / immunology
  • Hemolytic Plaque Technique
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Interferons / pharmacology*
  • Kinetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA / immunology
  • Sheep / immunology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Interferons