Interferon production by a human lymphoblastoid cell line (DG-75) free of the Epstein-Barr genome

A new lymphoblastoid cell line, DG-75, was investigated for its ability to produce interferon. DG-75 cells, previously shown to be free of Epstein-Barr virus genome and receptors, could be grown in submerged culture and could produce interferon in titers comparable to interferon produced by Namalva cells. The interferon produced was similar in size to the Namalva interferon as determined by gel filtration in Ultrogel AcA54. The DG-75 cells present a new source of large quantities of interferon which may be safer for human use than the Namalva interferon.