Enhancement of carcinoembryonic antigen expression by interferon

Abstract
Human interferon decreased DNA but not RNA synthesis in a human colon carcinoma cell line, WiDr; in addition, there was a two‐ to three‐fold increase in the expression of a tumor‐associated antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen. In contrast, interferon had no effect on a normal human diploid cell line, WI‐38. Thus, in addition to its anti‐cellular effect against tumor cells, interferon can also modulate tumor antigenicity.