Transcriptional induction of two genes in human cells by beta interferon.

Abstract
The binding of interferons to distinct cell surface receptors leads to the induction of synthesis of several unique polypeptides and their corresponding mRNA (1-6). Two c[complementary]DNA were isolated that are complementary to nuclear RNA whose synthesis is induced from undetectable levels to maximal rates of transcription within 30-60 min after the addition of .beta. interferon to human fibroblasts or to HeLa cells. A single polypeptide can, by binding to a specific plasma membrane receptor, promptly activate the transcription of a defined set of genes.