The capacity of fusicoccin for inducing the synthesis of early interferon

The response of human and animal cells to the action of fusicoccin (FC), a fungal metabolite with phytohormonal properties, was evaluated. The capacity of FC for inducing the synthesis of early interferon (IFN), supplied into the blood serum of common white mice, and for enhancing the natural cytotoxic activity of human lymphocytes in vitro was established. The metabolism of actively proliferating monocytic leukemia cells J-96 and human ovarian carcinoma cells CaOv, as well as mouse fibroblasts L-929, was found to be inhibited under the in vitro action of FC. The common character of the mechanisms of action of FC and IFN having antiproliferative and immunomodulating activity is discussed.