[15] Translation of mouse interferon mRNA in heterologous cells

Publisher Summary Heterologous cells are, by definition, derived from an animal species that is different from the species from which the interferon (IF) mRNA is extracted. The method is based on the relative species-specificity of the antiviral action of IF and consists of the translation of exogenous IF mRNA by whole cells, in tissue culture. It is used for the translation of human, monkey, mouse, and chick IF mRNA in a variety of cells as summarized. The chapter describes the procedure used at Orsay for mouse IF mRNA in chick embryo fibroblasts and Vero cells. The translational product is measured by its biological antiviral activity, which implies that it has been transcribed correctly. Furthermore, it is neutralized by anti-type I mouse-interferon serum, indicating that at least some antigenic sites are shared with normally induced mouse interferon. The four molecular species described for mouse interferon are also obtained after translation of mouse interferon mRNA in CEF, plus two larger species, probably resulting from complex formation with some other proteins present in the culture medium.