This report describes similarities between the structure and function of the interferon receptor and receptors for glycoprotein hormones and several bacterial toxins. Specifically, it describes several common molecular and mechanistic elements, including: (a) the presence of a glycoprotein as well as a ganglioside component in the receptor; (b) changes in membrane structure as a consequence of interferon action; (c) interferon-induced intracellular cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate changes; and (d) alterations in the flux of certain ions across the membrane. Since interferon has an antiviral effect, these results define a relationship between hormonal perturbation of cellular events and the ability of an agent to prevent or suppress viral infections of cells. Further definition of these relationships should be important to our understanding of the oncogenic state, of hormonal effects on the oncogenic state, and of other human diseases in which hormonal perturbations of non-target tissues or cross-reactivity of receptors could be pathogenic.