Further studies on the influence of interferon on pokeweed mitogen induced Ig-synthesis in vitro.

Preincubation with pure interferon beta, but not partially purified interferon alpha, increased immunoglobulin production from non-fractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by pokeweed mitogen. Preincubation of B lymphocytes, but not T lymphocytes or monocytes, with pure interferon beta also increased immunoglobulin synthesis. It is concluded that interferon has a direct effect on B lymphocytes in enhancing immunoglobulin production.