Effect of Temperature on the Production of Human Fibroblast Interferon

Abstract

Abstract

The effect of temperature upon interferon production in human fibroblasts was examined. Kinetic studies showed that exposing the cells to 37° for one hour before lowering the temperature to 30° resulted in a more prolonged period of production in comparison to cultures maintained at either 37° or 30°. These data suggest that a temperature-dependent event early in the production phase is responsible for the increased rates of synthesis in the later stages of production. The addition of cycloheximide (10 μg/ml) to the culture medium during the 37° period did not shorten the production period indicating that the extended period of production does not depend upon protein synthesis. In view of the improved yields observed, these studies may have applications to large-scale interferon production.