Cytostatic action of human fibroblast interferon in direct growth inhibition: effect on human malignant melanoma.

The mode of action of the direct antiproliferative effect of human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-beta) on tumor cells was analyzed in vitro with a human malignant melanoma cell line, HMV-1. HuIFN-beta inhibited the growth of HMV-1 cells in a time-dependent fashion (50%-inhibition concentration: less than 50 IU/ml). Its action was cytostatic. DNA synthesis was inhibited before the antitumor effect appeared, and apparent dose-dependent inhibitions of RNA and protein synthesis were induced. An increase of cell protein content was seen with the occurrence of growth inhibition. Increase of cell volume and prolongation of doubling time were seen from the second day after the addition, which corresponded well with the effects of HuIFN-beta on the cell cycle (the accumulation of cells in the S phase). These results indicate that the direct antitumor effect of HuIFN-beta on HMV-1 cells may result from cell cycle retardation mediated through obstruction of DNA synthesis.