Enhancement of the human mixed lymphocyte culture response by pretreating the stimulating cells with interferon.

The influence of interferon (IF) on the human mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reaction was examined. The presence of human IF in the MLCs but not pretreatment of the responding cell population with IF reduced the reaction. Pretreatment of the stimulating cells with human IF enhanced their MLC stimulatory capacities. This effect was observed with four different IF preparations of varying origin and purity, but not with a human mock or a mouse IF preparation.