Modulation of immune responses in newborn and adult mice by interferon.

Interferon was found to have both suppressive and enhancing effects on the antibody response in newborn and adult mice. Evidence was obtained that these effects are primarily evoked during the initial steps controlling cell proliferation. Stimulation of thymus and spleen cells with a T-cell mitogen was enhanced by low doses and suppressed by high doses of interferon. Treatment of parental spleen cells with interferon before injecting them into immunized F1 hybrid mice resulted in an enhanced allogeneic effect. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that interferon affects T cells and has an immunoregulatory role, either by inhibiting the action of suppressor cells or by promoting immunological maturation.