The left part of the viral genome is sufficient for interferon induction by adenovirus type 12.

Adenovirus type 12 is a potent interferon inducer on chick embryo cells. Incomplete particles induce similar levels of interferon as complete virions, even if they contain only the left 20 per cent of the genome. Empty capsids lacking DNA are not able to induce interferon, suggesting that part of the viral genome is required to trigger the cells to produce interferon.