Effect of mycoplasma on interferon production and interferon assay in cell cultures.

Armstrong, D. (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.), and K. Paucker. Effect of mycoplasma on interferon production and interferon assay in cell cultures. J. Bacteriol. 92:97-101. 1966.-The influence of mycoplasma on the production and action of interferon was studied in cultures of both L and human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Mycoplasma hominis 1, the Negroni agent, and the F12 mycoplasma were used for infection of L cells, and M. hominis 1 and M. pneumoniae for inoculation of HEK cells. All strains were capable of multiplication in the culture systems employed. None produced detectable levels of interferon, and responsiveness of the cells to induction of interferon by virus remained unaltered. Infection with mycoplasma did not impair the sensitivity of the cells to the action of interferon, nor was the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus noticeably diminished.