Inhibition by estrone of the antiviral protection and interferon elicited by interferon inducers in mice

The susceptibility of mice to infection with MM virus is markedly increased after treatment with the sex hormone estrone. Studies were undertaken to determine if either suppression of production or interference with the action of interferon was involved in this phenomenon. The protection of mice against MM virus infection by several interferon-inducing agents was partially impeded by estrone treatment either 24 hr before or 24 hr after the administration of the inducing agent. The titers of circulating interferon induced by each of the agents were lower in estrone-pretreated animals than in untreated controls. The protection of mice by exogenous L cell interferon was blocked only when the hormone was given prior to the interferon. It is concluded that the adverse activity of estrone is related to its ability to interfere with the action of interferon.