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Interferon production in chick-embryo cells. The effect of puromycin and p-fluorophenylalanine
Abstract:
1. When chick-embryo cells were treated with ultraviolet-inactivated influenza virus (Melbourne strain), interferon was produced after a lag period of about 10hr. 2. The addition of small amounts of either puromycin or p-fluorophenylalanine immediately after the virus inhibited the subsequent production of interferon. Both inhibitors primarily affected protein synthesis, and it is concluded that interferon production involves new protein synthesis. 3. Results obtained by the addition of either inhibitor for short periods during the lag phase demonstrated a requirement for protein synthesis during the second half of the lag phase. 4. Addition of puromycin during the course of interferon production caused almost immediate inhibition, but interferon formation became insusceptible to the action of p-fluorophenylalanine at about 26hr. after infection. Possible explanations of this effect are discussed.
Insights
Interferon production in chick cells requires new protein synthesis, as shown by inhibition experiments using puromycin and p-fluorophenylalanine. This protein synthesis is essential during the latter half of the interferon production lag phase.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interferon (IFN) is a crucial cytokine involved in antiviral defense.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying IFN production, particularly the role of protein synthesis, remain an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of de novo protein synthesis in interferon production induced by ultraviolet-inactivated influenza virus.
- To determine the temporal requirements for protein synthesis during the interferon induction process.
Main Methods:
- Chick-embryo cells were treated with ultraviolet-inactivated influenza virus.
- Protein synthesis inhibitors, puromycin and p-fluorophenylalanine, were added at various time points post-infection.
- Interferon production levels were quantified to assess the impact of inhibitor treatment.
Main Results:
- Interferon production was observed approximately 10 hours after viral treatment.
- Immediate addition of puromycin or p-fluorophenylalanine significantly inhibited subsequent interferon production.
- Protein synthesis was found to be essential during the second half of the 10-hour lag phase.
- Interferon production became less susceptible to p-fluorophenylalanine inhibition around 26 hours post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Interferon production is dependent on the synthesis of new proteins.
- Protein synthesis is required during a specific temporal window within the interferon induction pathway.
- The differential susceptibility to inhibitors suggests complex regulatory mechanisms in interferon formation.