Biosynthesis of C1r and C1s subcomponents has been studied using monocytes and macrophages, hepatocytes and hepatoma cell lines or fibroblasts. Both proteins have been detected in supernatants and cell lysates as proenzymic monocatenar molecules. C1r and C1s were secreted by stimulated monocytes and by Hep G2 cells, according to a 1:1 stoichiometry. Monocyte C1s secretion was enhanced by lymphokines, such as alpha- or gamma-interferon or by placental soluble factors. Expression of both proteins was coordinately modulated by a newly purified 14 kDa lymphokine at a pretranslational level. Data from in vitro RNA translation are discussed.