Interferon inhibits the redistribution of cell surface components.

Interferon treatment impairs the ability of cells to redistribute cell surface receptors for concanavalin A (Con A). The effect of interferon becomes evident within 3-6 h and is maximal within 36-48 h. Highly purified human fibroblast interferon (> 2 x 10(8) U/mg of protein sp act; concentration; 640 U/ml) caused approximately 85% inhibition of capping of fluorescein-conjugated Con A in interferon-sensitive HeLa-S3 cells at 36 h from the beginning of treatment.