Effect of ammonium salts on the interferon-induced antiviral state in mouse L cells.

The addition of ammonium salts to cells treated with interferon prevents the development of the antiviral state and destroys it when already established. This treatment does not seem to act on the binding of interferon to the cells but blocks a further step of activation on the cell membrane. The anti-interferon effect of ammonium salts is reversible with a complete recovery of the antiviral state. It is postulated that these salts may stabilize the interferon-receptor complex and thus prevent the changes in configuration necessary for the establishment and maintenance of its biological functions.