Interferon Production in Rabbit Kidney Cell Cultures Exposed to Poly (I).Poly (C) Adsorbed to Rabbit Red Blood Cells

SUMMARY Poly(I).poly(C) adsorbed to rabbit red blood cells (RRBC) has been shown to stimulate interferon production in primary rabbit kidney (PRK) cell cultures. The interferon titres obtained could not be accounted for by the amounts of poly(I). poly(C) released from the red blood cells into the supernatant fluids during their incubation with the PRK cells. However, they could be fully accounted for by the amounts of polynucleotide picked up by the PRK cells upon their contact with poly(I).poly(C)-coated RRBC. At identical dosage levels poly(I).poly(C) attached to RRBC proved more efficient in inducing interferon than free poly(I).poly(C). This increased interferon-inducing efficiency correlated well with an increased accessibility of PRK cell-associated polymer to extraneous ribonuclease treatment.