It is believed that the interferons set off a number of enzymes in the cell which can stop the virus using the cells protein synthesizing machinery for its own protein synthesis. It has also been observed that ribosomes from interferon infected mammalian cells do not form polysomes with viral RNA, but when they are exposed to host (mammalian) RNA, they readily form polysomes and protein synthesis is initiated.

It shows that ribosomes in the presence of interferon can recognise specific mRNA and regulate the over all protein synthesis.

Because of their inhibitory nature, the interferons are being tested for their effectiveness in controlling cancer, though with only limited success.

In some cases, interferons inhibit tumour cell growth and, stimulate immune cells to destroy cancerous cells. With some exceptions, the tumours that respond to interferon treatment are also responsive to chemotherapeutic agents.

Many companies in U.S.A., Japan, U.K., W. Germany, France and Switzerland are working towards large scale production of interferons.