Interleukin 2 Regulates Expression of Its Receptor and Synthesis of Gamma Interferon by Human T Lymphocytes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) has an important role in the regulation of the expression of IL-2 receptors and the synthesis of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) by T lymphocytes. IL-2 is required for the optimum expression of IL-2 receptors on activated T lymphocytes and for maximum synthesis of IFN-γ in vitro. Dexamethasone, an immunosuppressant drug that inhibits IL-2 synthesis, diminished the expression of IL-2 receptors and the synthesis of IFN-γ. Anti-Tac, a monoclonal antibody known to prevent the binding of IL-2 to its receptor without inhibiting IL-2 synthesis, down-regulated the expression of the receptor and partially inhibited synthesis of IFN-γ. In a population of T lymphocytes prevented from synthesizing IL-2 by dexamethasone and incapable of using IL-2 as a result of blockage of IL-2 receptors by anti-Tac, the number of receptor-bearing cells and receptor density were diminished. Anti-Tac in combination with dexamethasone also exerted a synergistic effect on IFN-γ synthesis, inhibiting it almost completely. The inhibitory effect of dexamethasone IFN-γ synthesis may be of clinical importance, since IFN-γ activates macrophages and thereby triggers one of the defense mechanisms against bacterial infections.

This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit: