Interferon production in human diploid cell strains derived from embryonic lungs.

Twenty-three strains of human diploid cells derived from embryonic lungs were tested for production of interferon by "superinduction." Strain HAIN-55 produced a relatively high level of interferon. The optimal concentration of cycloheximide for superinduction was essentially equal to that reported with foreskin fibroblasts. On the other hand, actinomycin D at a concentration of 4 to 16 microgram/ml enhanced the production of interferon more strikingly than at a concentration of 1 microgram/ml, which was usually employed for superinduction in the foreskin fibroblasts. Inhibition of interferon production was observed when fetal bovine serum was added to the medium during treatment with metabolic inhibitors for superinduction. Minimal essential medium was superior to Eagle's basal medium as growth medium for interferon production, and serum added after removal of metabolic inhibitors could be replaced by bovine serum albumin. The yield of interferon produced under the best conditions in this study, with strain HAIN-55, was more than 10,000 reference units/ml.