Construction of rat-mouse T cell hybridomas that express regulatable rat interleukin 2 receptor

Spleen cells obtained from Lewis rats were cultured with 4 micrograms/ml Con A for 96 hr, and activated cells were fused with BW5147 mouse T lymphoma cells. Seven clones obtained by fusion expressed rat IL 2R. The expression of rat IL 2R on those hybrid cells could be up-regulated by IL 2 itself, ATL-derived factor, and TPA and CA++ ionophore. Those IL 2R could be down-regulated by murine MoAb ART-18 that detects rat IL 2R. All hybrid clones produced IL 2 constitutively. IL 2 produced by hybrid cells bound to its receptor and promoted the proliferation of hybrid cells in some clones. Incubation of cells with exogenous IL 2 resulted in the proliferation of hybrid cells, whereas the proliferation of some clones was inhibited by exogenous IL 2, indicating that IL 2 had bifunctional properties on cell growth. Rat IL 2R from 6H2-F9 hybrid cells was studied by both one- and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE with ART-18. The IL 2R derived from 6H2-F9 cells had 72,000 to 77,000 and 40,000 to 48,000 m.w. major components under nonreducing conditions, and had 50,000 to 56,000 m.w. major and 35,000 to 38,000 m.w. minor components under reducing conditions. The 110,000 m.w. component, the third component of IL 2R, was constantly observed in 6H2-F9 hybrid cells.     

Inhibitory effects of anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies on interleukin 2 production and interleukin 2 receptor expression in anti-CD3-induced T cell activation

The effects of anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) on anti-CD3-driven interleukin 2 (IL2) production and IL2 receptor (IL2R) expression were investigated. Two anti-CD2 mAb, which had previously been shown to inhibit in vitro anti-CD3-induced T cell proliferation, also inhibited anti-CD3-induced IL2 production. However, it seemed unlikely that this was the crucial mechanism in the inhibition of anti-CD3-driven proliferation, since anti-CD2 mAb also partially inhibited T cell proliferation induced by the anti-CD3 mAb 446 which does not induce detectable IL2 levels. Anti-CD2 mAb also inhibited anti-CD3-induced surface IL2R expression as measured by immunofluorescence staining with an anti-IL2R mAb against the p55 chain. Inhibition of IL2R expression paralleled inhibition of proliferation. This anti-CD2-mediated inhibition involved a block in the generation of normal numbers of IL2R+ cells rather than a direct inhibitory effect on the IL2R+ cells themselves, since IL2R+ cells isolated from anti-CD2-containing cultures responded normally to IL2. Exogenous IL2 and IL4, singly or in combination, could reverse neither the anti-CD2-mediated inhibition of anti-CD3-induced proliferation nor the anti-CD2-mediated inhibition of anti-CD3-induced IL2R expression. Taken together, these observations suggest that anti-CD2 mAb inhibit anti-CD3-driven proliferation by inhibiting the generation of IL2R+ cells at a maturational stage proximal to their expression of surface IL2R. This inhibition cannot be overcome by exogenous IL2 or IL4, suggesting that the underlying biochemical mechanism involves an IL2- and IL4-independent pathway.     

Elevated titers of cell-free interleukin 2 receptor in serum of lupus mice

Activation/proliferation of mouse and human T and B cells is associated with expression and subsequent release of interleukin 2 receptors (IL 2R) into the milieu. The soluble form of IL 2R, at least in part, retains its ability to bind to IL 2 and to anti-receptor antibodies, but its exact structure remains unknown. Because systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with T and B cell activation, we have used monoclonal anti-IL 2R antibodies in an ELISA to measure levels of IL 2R in sera of various lupus strains. High levels of the released receptor were found at an active clinical stage in sera of four autoimmune strains of mice homozygous for the lpr (lymphoproliferation) gene that causes T cell expansion, massive lymphoid organ enlargement, and promotes the autoimmune process. High levels were also found in lupus mice characterized primarily by B cell proliferation (BXSB males) and in (NZB X W)F1 mice characterized by T and B cell activation. Similarly high IL 2R serum levels could be induced experimentally in normal mice injected with immunostimulants such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide or Freund's complete adjuvant. The results indicate that IL 2R serum levels may provide a good marker of ongoing lymphoid cell activation/proliferation, and thus might be useful in the follow-up of patients with systemic autoimmune or other lymphoproliferative disorders. The biologic roles, if any, of the soluble form of IL 2R and its effects in normal and abnormal conditions remain to be determined.     

Cellular source of soluble interleukin 2 receptors in serum of mice after recombinant interleukin 2 administration.

Previous studies have shown that peripheral blood mononuclear cells activated in vitro not only express cell-associated interleukin 2 receptors (IL2R) but also release a soluble form of this receptor. In this study, we demonstrate that administration of human recombinant IL 2 (rIL 2) to mice results in increased spleen weights, splenic natural killer (NK) cell cytolytic activity, and serum levels of soluble IL2R. However, compared with rIL 2-treated heterozygote controls, beige mice treated with rIL 2 displayed similar elevations in serum soluble IL2R but significantly less splenic NK activity. Likewise, administration of anti-asialo GM1 antiserum to rIL 2-treated mice resulted in a dramatic reduction in splenic NK cytolytic activity, but no reduction in serum soluble IL2R. Conversely, while rIL 2 treatment of BALB/c mice produced increased splenic NK activity and serum soluble IL2R, similar treatment of BALB/c nude mice resulted in elevation of only splenic NK activity. These studies demonstrate that administration of rIL 2 to normal mice can elevate both serum IL2R levels and splenic NK cytolytic activity. However, the results suggest that T cells are likely to be the source of elevated serum IL2R after rIL 2 administration.     

Evidence for negative regulation of T cell growth by low affinity interleukin 2 receptors

Two experimental situations have been studied, and the results provide evidence for a negative regulatory role for the low affinity interleukin 2 receptor (LA-IL 2R). The IL 2-dependent T helper cell line L-14, deprived of IL 2, becomes quiescent and expresses comparable numbers of high affinity IL 2R (HA-IL 2R) and LA-IL 2R. After activation by recombinant IL 2, this cell line preferentially expresses LA-IL 2R. The IL 2 responsiveness of the L-14 cell line was found to vary according to the ratio of LA-IL 2R to HA-IL 2R: the relative predominance of the LA-IL 2R coincides with a hyporeactivity of cells to IL 2. In contrast, a predominance of HA-IL 2R is accompanied by an increase in cellular IL 2 reactivity. Treatment of three IL 2-dependent T cell lines (L-14, HT-2, and C30.1) with limited amounts of recombinant IL 2 and moderate concentrations of anti-IL 2R monoclonal antibodies stimulates T cell growth. This treatment was shown to selectively diminish the expression of membrane LA-IL 2R. The stimulation was attributed to the decrease of expression of LA-IL 2R.     

Effect of interleukin 1 on the expression of interleukin 2 receptor (Tac antigen) on human natural killer cells and natural killer-like cell line (YT cells)

The effect of interleukin 1 (IL 1) on the expression of interleukin 2 receptor (IL 2R/Tac antigen) on human natural killer (NK) cells and the NK-like cell line, YT was studied with the use of a fluoresceinated anti-IL 2R monoclonal antibody and a Spectrum III flow cytofluorometer. IL 2R was expressed on approximately 10% of NK cells. The expression of IL 2R on NK cells was increased to approximately 25% by the in vitro culture with monocytes or IL 1 and to a less extent by the culture with IL 2 or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IL 2R was expressed on approximately 50% of YT cells without any stimulations. The expression of IL 2R on YT cells was increased up to almost 100% by the culture with IL 1 or monocytes, but not with IL 2, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, or lectins such as concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin-P. IL 1 absorbed with YT cells or murine thymocytes lost both IL 1 activity detected by the stimulation of murine thymocyte proliferative response and enhancing activity of IL 2R expression on YT cells, suggesting that IL 1 has both activities. However, the assay system of the expression of IL 2R on YT cells is much more sensitive than the stimulation of murine thymocyte proliferative response. By the kinetic study, the enhancement of IL 2R expression was induced by only a 2-hr incubation of YT cells with IL 1. This enhancement did not proceed at 4 degrees C or by the treatment of YT cells with actinomycin D or cycloheximide, suggesting that this enhancement is energy dependent and requires the synthesis of RNA and protein but not DNA. Thus IL 1 plays an important role for the regulation of the expression of IL 2R on NK cells, and IL 1-dependent IL 2R expression on YT cells may give us a good model for the study of the molecular mechanism of the regulation of IL 2R expression.     

The released interleukin 2 receptor binds interleukin 2 efficiently

The released interleukin 2 receptor (IL 2R) molecule was characterized in order to clarify its biochemical structure and to determine its functional capacity. Enzymatic digestions demonstrated that the released IL 2R, like the cell surface IL 2R, is a complex glycoprotein, modified by the addition of both N- and O-linked carbohydrates and sialic acid residues. It has a peptide backbone that is approximately 10 Kd smaller than that of its membrane-associated counterpart. Affinity chromatography demonstrated that released IL 2R from either an HTLV-I-positive T cell line (HUT-102) or PHA-activated normal peripheral lymphocytes binds efficiently to purified recombinant IL 2. Furthermore, the interaction between the growth factor and the released receptor does not appear to require any accessory molecules. These observations suggest a potentially significant role for the released IL 2R in the regulation of IL 2-dependent lymphocyte functions.     

Antigen-specific murine T cell clones produce soluble interleukin 2 receptor on stimulation with specific antigens

In this study, we used monoclonal antibodies to the murine IL 2 receptor (IL 2R) termed 3C7 and 7D4, which bind to different epitopes on the murine IL 2R, to develop an ELISA to measure soluble murine IL 2R. Surprisingly, stimulated murine spleen cells not only expressed cell-associated IL 2R, but also produced a considerable level of cell free IL 2R in the culture supernatant fluid. To assess the fine specificity of this response, myoglobin-immune murine T cell clones were stimulated with appropriate or inappropriate antigen and syngeneic or allogeneic presenting cells. Proliferation, measured by [3H] thymidine incorporation, and levels of soluble IL 2R were determined at day 4. The production of soluble IL 2R displayed the same epitope fine specificity, genetic restriction, and antigen dose-response as the proliferative response. Indeed, in some cases there was sharper discrimination of epitope specificity and genetic restriction with the soluble IL 2R levels. There was also reproducible clone-to-clone variation in the amount of soluble receptor produced in response to antigen among 12 T cell clones and lines tested. In time course experiments, proliferation was greatest at day 3, whereas soluble IL 2R levels continued to rise in subsequent days. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of release or secretion of soluble IL 2R by murine T cells, and the first demonstration of the fine specificity and genetic restriction of the induction of soluble IL 2R by specific antigen.     

High-level secretion of interleukin 2 by a subset of proliferating thymic lymphoblasts

We have characterized the thymocytes that can be induced to secrete interleukin 2 (IL 2) after polyclonal stimulation with Con A. For maximal activation, an important adjunct to the Con A is the phorbol ester TPA. In the presence of TPA, IL 2 production by thymocytes is relatively independent of adherent accessory cells; this allows us to compare the abilities of different thymic subpopulations to make IL 2. The most numerous class that includes IL 2 producers is made up of cells with a typical "medullary" population, the phenotype: moderately small, postmitotic cells that fail to bind peanut agglutinin. In addition, however, a population of large, proliferating lymphoblasts is competent in IL 2 production directly as isolated. Relative to the total "medullary" population, the lymphoblasts are enriched for the ability to make IL 2. They account for a significant proportion of the total IL 2 produced by thymocytes, and demonstrate that this aspect of immunocompetence is not restricted to cells that have finished their intrathymic proliferation. The IL 2-producing lymphoblasts do not bind peanut agglutinin or express thymus-leukemia antigen, but they do express high levels of Lyt-1. Although distinct from most medullary thymocytes, therefore, they are also distinct from the majority of cortical blast cells for which a direct precursor role has been established. They may be a subset of the rare proliferating blast cells in the medulla. Further heterogeneity in the thymic IL 2 producers is demonstrated by their expression of the Lyt-2 glycoprotein. The majority of IL 2 producers are Lyt-2- as are the majority of peripheral T "helper" cells. However, a distinct minority of the thymic IL 2 producers express Lyt-2. Therefore, the ability of some peripheral Lyt-2+ cells to secrete IL 2 may be determined at the time of their initial programming in the thymus.     

Interleukin 3 enhanced interleukin 2-dependent maturation of NK progenitor cells in bone marrow from mice with severe combined immunodeficiency

Human recombinant interleukin 2 (IL 2) and highly purified murine interleukin 3 (IL 3) were tested for their ability to generate NK activity in bone marrow cells from mice with severe combined immunodeficiency. IL 2 alone could dose dependently induce NK activity in marrow cells as determined by cytotoxicity against YAC-1 target cells. It was demonstrated that IL 3 had dual effects on the generation of NK activity in this culture system. The addition of IL 3 resulted in inhibition of NK cell activity seen at high concentrations of IL 2. In contrast, when IL 3 was added together with low concentrations of IL 2, the generation of NK cells as judged by cytotoxicity assay as well as the appearance of cells with NK phenotypes was markedly augmented. In some experiments, mice were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to eliminate relatively differentiated NK precursors from bone marrow cells. It was noted that the residual immature marrow cells from 5-FU-treated mice showed little NK activity even after the culture with high concentrations of IL 2. Importantly, IL 3 could induce the generation of NK activity from 5-FU-treated marrow cells in the presence of IL 2. Kinetic studies indicated that NK activity was appreciably generated from 5-FU-treated marrow cells when preincubated with IL 3 at least for 12 hr and subsequently cultured with IL 2. The cells bearing IL 2 receptors appeared in 5-FU-treated marrow cells, even though cultured only with IL 3, which implied that IL 3 could support the development of very primitive NK cells from IL 2-unresponsive to IL 2-responsive states. These results suggested that IL 3 might play a crucial role for the IL 2-induced generation of NK cells in bone marrow through promoting the expression of IL 2R on NK progenitor cells.     

In vivo and in vitro expression of an interleukin 2 receptor by murine B and T lymphocytes

Interleukin 2 (IL 2), which is well established to be a T cell growth factor, has more recently been shown to stimulate B lymphocyte growth and differentiation in vitro. Responsiveness of B and T cells to IL 2 has been associated with expression of a cell membrane IL 2 receptor (IL 2R). To investigate the role of IL 2 in B cell growth and differentiation in vivo, a system was used in which the injection of mice with a goat antibody to mouse IgD (GaM delta) induces polyclonal T-independent B cell proliferation first, and later induces polyclonal T-dependent B cell proliferation and IgG secretion. IL 2R expression by splenic B and T lymphocytes from GaM delta injected mice was studied by a dual label immunofluorescence technique. Although GaM delta was found to be a strong inducer of B cell IL 2R expression in vitro, even in serum-free medium, and stimulated up to 50% of splenic T cells to express considerable quantities of IL 2R in vivo, it failed to induce more than minimal B cell IL 2R expression in vivo. Concanavalin A and bacterial lipid A also induced B cells to express IL 2R to a much greater extent in vitro than in vivo. Although these agents and GaM delta acted synergistically to stimulate B cell IL 2R expression both in vitro and in vivo, a single agent induced B cell IL 2R expression to a considerably greater extent in vitro than did all three agents acting together in vivo. In vitro GaM delta-induced B cell IL 2R expression was not suppressed by inclusion of IL 2 in the culture medium but was suppressed by the presence of 10% normal mouse serum or plasma. These observations suggest that polyclonal T-dependent B cell proliferation and antibody secretion may not require an interaction between B cells and IL 2; the in vivo environment may downregulate IL 2R expression by B cells: and in vivo B cell IL 2R expression and consequently, induction of B cell responsiveness to IL 2, may require stimuli beyond those sufficient to induce B cell IL 2R expression and IL 2 responsiveness in vitro.     

Synergy between B cell differentiation factors and interleukin 2, using a monoclonal system

By using monoclonal B cell targets, cells derived from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and B cell differentiation factors (BCDF) derived from monoclonal human T cell hybridomas, we have demonstrated marked synergy for differentiation between interleukin 2 (IL 2) and BCDF. IL 2 alone had no effect on the proliferation of differentiation to immunoglobulin secretion in these cell populations; however, in conjunction with a variety of BCDF, differentiation to plaque-forming cells (PFC) was augmented 10- to 100-fold. There was no increase in proliferation as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. These effects could be demonstrated with concentrations of IL 2 as low as 5 U/culture, well within the physiologic range, by using either commercially available or recombinant IL 2. The addition of IL 2 to the B cell and BCDF cultures resulted in almost 100% expression of the IL 2 receptor, Tac, on the surface of these cells, and the augmented PFC response could be inhibited 70 to 80% by the addition of anti-Tac to the culture. Kinetic studies revealed that the addition of IL 2 to the B cell cultures could be delayed for up to 72 hr without a change in the PFC response, suggesting that IL 2 was acting as a secondary or synergistic signal for differentiation. Thus, it appears that IL 2 does have a role in B cell maturation mediated, in part, by IL 2 binding to the IL 2 receptor present on certain B cells.     

Rapid stereospecific stimulation of lymphocytic metabolism by interleukin 2

IL 2 maintains the viability of IL 2-dependent CTLL-2 cells. IL 2, a lymphocytotrophic factor, stimulates the cellular metabolism of IL 2 receptor-bearing CTLL-2 murine cytolytic T cells. Both aerobic (oxygen consumption) and anaerobic (lactic acid production) metabolism of CTLL-2 cell are stimulated by rIL 2. The effects of IL 2 upon murine T cells is blocked by an anti-IL 2 receptor monoclonal antibody but not by other monoclonal antibodies that bind to other proteins upon CTLL-2 cells. Changes in aerobic and anaerobic cellular metabolism occur rapidly after interaction with IL 2, whereas the effects on the cell cycle are relatively slow and may be dependent upon antecedent metabolic stimulation by IL 2. This effect of IL 2 on cell viability appears to be mediated by a direct effect on important aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways.     

Interleukin 1-dependent induction of both interleukin 2 secretion and interleukin 2 receptor expression by thymoma cells

The macrophage-derived product, interleukin 1 (IL 1) is thought to play an important regulatory role in the proliferation of T lymphocytes; however, its mechanism of action is unknown. We describe in this report a variant subline of EL4 thymoma cells (EL4-6.1) that displays a high degree of responsiveness to IL 1. We show that recombinant IL 1 can induce both the secretion of interleukin 2 (IL 2) and the expression of IL 2 receptors (IL 2-R) by these cells. EL4-6.1 cells do not constitutively secrete IL 2, nor do they express IL 2-R; but when cultured in the presence of recombinant IL 1, they secrete detectable amounts of IL 2 (5 to 15 U/ml). In the presence of either suboptimal levels of phorbol ester (PMA) or Ionomycin, the addition of IL 1 resulted in up to an 80-fold enhancement in the amount of IL 2 secreted. Stimulation with IL 1 alone or in combination with Ionomycin was unable to induce detectable IL 2-R expression by EL4-6.1 cells. However, in the presence of suboptimal concentrations of PMA, IL 1 induced expression of about 3000 high affinity (dissociation constant, Kd of 31 pM) and 50,000 low affinity (Kd of 2800 pM) IL 2-R. These IL 2-R were functional, based on their ability to rapidly internalize IL 2. This model system will allow a detailed analysis of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the immune response by IL 1 and IL 2.     

Recombinant interferon-gamma induces interleukin 2 receptors on human peripheral blood monocytes

The present report describes the inducibility of IL 2 receptors on human peripheral blood monocytes. Although freshly isolated monocytes are IL 2 receptor negative, approximately one-third of the cells react with the anti-Tac antibody within 18 hr of culture. IFN-gamma is found to double both the number of positive cells and the number of binding sites, whereas IL 2 has no influence on the IL 2 receptor expression on monocytes. Anti-Tac precipitates from monocyte lysates several protein bands of similar m.w. to those previously found with activated T and B cells. Finally, IFN-gamma-induced, but not resting, monocytes are found to bind recombinant IL 2. We conclude that IFN-gamma induces peripheral blood monocytes to express IL 2 receptors similar in structure to those found on activated T and B lymphocytes.     

Detergent solubilization of the interleukin 1 receptor

Interleukin 1 (IL 1) receptors were solubilized from membranes prepared from murine EL-4 thymoma cells with the zwitterionic detergent 3[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). Binding of IL 1 to the solubilized receptor was detected by a polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation procedure. Concentrations of CHAPS from 4 to 8 mM were effective in solubilizing the IL 1 receptor. At 10 mM CHAPS, there was some loss in binding activity, whereas 2 mM CHAPS was completely ineffective in solubilizing the receptor. Detergent concentrations of 4 mM were routinely used. The solubilized receptor retains the ability to bind 125I-IL 1 in a specific and saturable manner. Scatchard analysis reveals a single type of high affinity binding site having an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of approximately 1.2 X 10(-10) M. Nearly identical KD values are observed for membrane fractions. There are approximately 400 to 500 fmol receptor/mg protein in the detergent extract, corresponding to a two- to threefold enrichment in the Bmax observed for membranes. There is no loss in receptor activity as determined by complete recovery of the total number of binding sites from membranes after solubilization. Binding kinetics show that apparent steady state for the solubilized receptor is reached after 60 min at 37 degrees C. The binding of 125I-IL 1 is essentially irreversible because relatively little bound ligand can be dissociated from the receptor on the addition of excess unlabeled IL 1 at 37 degrees C. Both human IL 1 alpha and IL 1 beta compete for binding of 125I-IL 1 to the soluble receptor, confirming that IL 1 alpha and IL 1 beta bind to the same receptor. Other recombinant proteins, including interferon-alpha A, interferon-gamma, and interleukin 2 have no inhibitory effect.     

Activation of human monocytes by interleukin 2: Role of T lymphocytes

The effect of interleukin 2 (IL 2) on the capability of human monocytes to secrete reactive oxygen species triggered via Fc-γ receptor (Fc-γ R) function had been investigated by measurement of chemiluminescence (CL). IL 2 did not activate highly purified (hp) monocytes to respond to Fc-γ R mediated phagocytic stimulation with an enhanced respiratory burst activity unless low numbers of T cells had been co-cultured with hp monocytes. Supernatants from IL 2 treated PBMC contained interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and monocyte activating factor (MAF) activity. The secretion of both cytokine activities was strongly enhanced by cooperative function of monocytes. The correlation of IL 2 induced secretion of IFN-γ and MAF activity was striking, however, monoclonal antibody (mAb) anti-human IFN-γ failed to abrogate IL 2 stimulated and lymphocyte dependent monocyte activation. Although IL 2 had no direct monocyte activating effect, pretreatment of hp monocytes with IL 2 led to monocyte priming: subsequent co-culture with autologous control T cells enhanced the monocyte Fc-γ R mediated CL response. The priming of monocytes by IL 2 was dependent on the interaction of IL 2 with the monocytic IL 2 receptor as shown by inhibition experiments with anti IL 2 R monoclonal antibody. Thus the IL 2 driven monocyte/T-cell interaction leads to an increased Fc-γ R mediated monocytic respiratory burst activity and to the secretion of a soluble MAF activity, but there were no detectable amounts of IFN-γ.     

Regulation of interleukin 2 synthesis by cAMP in human T cells

T cell activation requires two initial signals that first lead to the expression of interleukin 2 (IL 2) receptors and the initiation of IL 2 synthesis and then to T cell proliferation. Jurkat T lymphoma cells have been shown to be a good model for studying IL 2 synthesis because these cells also require two signals for activation. The first signal can be provided by the lectin phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and the second one by the phorbol ester, 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). The regulation of IL 2 synthesis in Jurkat cells, however, is unclear, and the present study deals with the role of cAMP on IL 2 synthesis. In Jurkat cells, IL 2 synthesis appears to be highly regulated by the activity of adenylate cyclase. This was demonstrated by using different means to increase intracellular cAMP level, namely by using permeant cAMP analogs, using the activator of adenylate cyclase, forskolin, using the activator of the alpha subunit of the stimulatory GTP binding protein cholera toxin, and using inhibitors of phosphodiesterase. In addition, prostaglandins E1 and E2 were shown to bind specifically to Jurkat cells, to induce a rise in intracellular cAMP level, and to markedly decrease IL 2 synthesis. All together, these results suggest that in T lymphocytes, the prostaglandin E2 receptor is linked to adenylate cyclase through a GTP binding protein and regulates the production of IL 2 by controlling the intracellular cAMP level.     

Requirement of macrophages (monocytes) for the induction of interleukin 2 receptors on B lymphocytes

The role of macrophages (monocytes) for the induction of interleukin 2 receptors (IL 2R) on human B lymphocytes was studied by a direct immunofluorescence method with the use of a fluoresceinated anti-IL 2R monoclonal antibody and a flow cytofluorometer. Highly purified B lymphocytes alone did not induce IL 2R on their surface by stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I, anti-mu antibody, or pokeweed mitogen. However, the addition of monocytes successfully induced IL 2R on B lymphocytes stimulated with these mitogens in a dose-dependent manner. Interleukin 1 (IL 1) produced by monocytes could partially replace the accessory function of monocytes. In accordance with these results, the proliferation of B lymphocytes and the differentiation to immunoglobulin-producing cells in response to IL 2 were also dependent on monocytes or IL 1. These results suggest that the accessory function of macrophages for IL 2-induced B cell activation is primarily on the induction of IL 2R on B lymphocytes.