Abstract
Antiviral and cell growth inhibitory components isolated from a partially purified human alpha interferon (HuIFN-α) preparation were tested for effect on the growth of 11 different human cell lines. The effect of the components was compared with the effect of purified HuIFN-α. In all sensitive cells, except Daudi and EB4, a strong reduction in anticellular effect was observed with the antiviral component compared with IFN. The results confirm that at least some of the anticellular effect of IFN can be isolated from the antiviral activity and it is suggested that more than one mechanism may be responsible for growth regulation by IFN preparations.