Phorbol ester‐induced expression and function of the interleukin 2 receptor in human B lymphocytes

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Abstract
The expression of the interleukin 2 receptor (Tac) on normal B cells and Epstein‐Barr virus‐transformed lymphoblastoid B cell lines is induced by the tumor promoter 12‐O‐ tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA). The receptor on B cells is indistinguishable from that on T cells by serological and biochemical analysis. It is functionally active so that TPA‐induced B cells respond to interleukin 2 by increased DNA synthesis. These results suggest that the expression of Tac is not exclusively restricted to T cells and that interleukin 2 may play a role in B cell differentiation.