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Published on: January 24, 2016
Physical, morphological, and biochemical alterations in the membrane of AKR mouse cells after interferon treatment
Abstract:
Interferon treatment of AKR,C- cells was followed by the establishment of an antiviral state and apparently concomitant morphological, physical, and biochemical alterations of the cell plasma membrane. The density of the plasma membrane was significant altered, and the concentration of some plasma membrane glycoproteins and the number of intramembranous particles observed in freeze-fracture electron micrographs were increased. A parallel increase in the concentration of intramembranous particles and the resistance to viral infection during interferon treatment as well as their parallel decrease upon removal of interferon suggests a relationship between the particle density and the establishment of the antiviral state.
Insights
Interferon treatment alters cell membranes, increasing particle density and enhancing antiviral resistance. This suggests a direct link between membrane changes and the antiviral state induced by interferon.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Interferon (IFN) is a crucial cytokine involved in antiviral immunity.
- Cellular responses to interferon include the establishment of an antiviral state.
- The precise mechanisms linking interferon treatment to cellular defense remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of interferon on cell plasma membrane structure and function.
- To determine the relationship between cell plasma membrane alterations and the antiviral state induced by interferon.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of AKR/2J cells with interferon.
- Analysis of cell plasma membrane morphology, physical properties, and biochemical composition.
- Utilizing freeze-fracture electron microscopy to observe intramembranous particles.
- Assessing viral resistance in interferon-treated cells.
Main Results:
- Interferon treatment induced significant alterations in the cell plasma membrane.
- Observed increases in plasma membrane density, specific glycoprotein concentrations, and intramembranous particle numbers.
- Demonstrated a parallel increase in particle density and viral resistance during interferon treatment.
- Showed a parallel decrease in particle density and viral resistance upon interferon removal.
Conclusions:
- Interferon treatment leads to substantial changes in cell plasma membrane structure.
- The increase in intramembranous particles correlates with the establishment of the antiviral state.
- Plasma membrane particle density is likely a key factor in interferon-mediated viral resistance.
