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Binding of interferon to gangliosides

Abstract

RECENT evidence suggests that the antiviral action of interferon is triggered by interaction with the cellular membrane. Mouse interferon covalently bound to Sepharose beads (IF-Sepharose) retains its antiviral potency and only direct contact with these particles produces the antiviral effect1,2. Preincubation of mouse L cells with Phaseolus vulgaris phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) blocks interferon action3. The inhibitory action of PHA can be almost completely reversed by washing PHA-treated cells with fetuin, a glycoprotein of high affinity for this plant lectin3. These data suggest that membrane sites interacting with interferon are carbohydrate-containing molecules that bind to PHA, although other explanations for the inhibitory action of PHA based on nonspecific steric or charge effects might be possible. To substantiate further that glycoside-containing membrane components bind to interferon, we have investigated the effect of gangliosides on interferon binding and action.

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BESANCON, F., ANKEL, H. Binding of interferon to gangliosides. Nature 252, 478–480 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/252478a0

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