The ability of interferons to reduce cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo is a well-studied phenomenon. To extend such observations, the effect of interferons on the invasiveness in vitro of human malignant cells derived from a Ewing sarcoma was evaluated. Two related parameters were examined: (i) production of type IV (basement membrane) collagenase and (ii) penetration of human amnion basement membrane and collagenous stroma. After 6 days of treatment with crude fibroblast, leukocyte, or lymphoblastoid interferon at 100 units/ml in serum-free medium, type IV collagenase levels increased 2- to 4-fold per cell relative to those of untreated controls. With homogeneous fibroblast and lymphoblastoid interferons, a 2-fold elevation in type IV collagenase was detected after 2 days, with further increases, occasionally dramatic, occurring on the 4th and 6th day of treatment. The ability of Ewing sarcoma cells to invade human amnion connective tissue was measured after 6 days of treatment with various interferons. Relative to the behavior of untreated controls, crude leukocyte interferon, homogeneous lymphoblastoid interferon, and homogeneous fibroblast interferon at 100 units/ml augmented invasiveness 3-, 17- and 22-fold, respectively, when cells were allowed 4 days in which to traverse the amnion. When untreated cells were exposed simultaneously to the amnion and to homogeneous lymphoblastoid or fibroblast interferon, a 4- to 5-fold increase in invasiveness above control levels was observed in 2 days. These data emphasize the complexity of interferon-induced phenomena. In any overview, the effects of interferon on both the tumor cell and the host must be considered.