Influence of interferon on poke weed mitogen triggered Ig-secretion by human lymphocytes in vitro

Various interferon (INF) preparations were examined for their capacity to influence the poke weed mitogen (PWM) induced release of IgM and IgG by human lymphocytes in vitro. Variable results were obtained when partially purified preparations of leukocyte IFN-alpha were added at the beginning of the culture period: In some experiments Ig production increased and in others it decreased. The addition of a pure preparation of IFN-beta significantly augmented Ig release. It is suggested that substances other then IFN in impure IFN preparations may interfere with the PWM triggered Ig-release.