Identification of an interleukin HP1-like plasmacytoma growth factor produced by L cells in response to viral infection.

We have recently purified and partially sequenced a new T cell-derived lymphokine with growth factor activity for B cell hybridomas and plasmacytomas, which we named interleukin HP1 (HP1). Here we show that, in response to viral infection or after treatment with poly(rI).poly(rC), L cells produce a factor that is capable of supporting the in vitro growth and survival of HP1-dependent cell lines. Serologic and structural evidence is presented in favor of the identity between the fibroblast factor and HP1, demonstrating that non-T cells can make HP1-related molecules.