Abstract
The effect of interferon on the synthesis of the RNA species and proteins of vesicular stomatitis virus has been studied in two cell types. Virus protein synthesis is inhibited by interferon despite the apparent presence of near normal amounts of virus RNA with sedimentation values characteristic of virus messenger RNA. The synthesis of those virus RNA species which are completely dependent on virus protein synthesis is preferentially inhibited in interferon-treated cells. These results are most consistent with a model of interferon action postulating a primary effect on translation of virus messenger RNA.
* Present address: Department of Cell Biology, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, Nutley, New Jersey 07110.