Stimulation of the beta-subunit of the IL-2 receptor induces MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity in T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and normal thymocytes |
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| Authors: | O R Colamonici A Rosolen D Cole I Kirsch C Felix D G Poplack L M Neckers |
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| Institution: | Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892. |
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| Abstract: | Recently, several laboratories have identified a novel protein(s) of 70,000 to 75,000 Da (IL-2R beta-subunit) that, when expressed with the p55 Tac protein (alpha-subunit), imparts high affinity IL-2 binding. Expression of the beta-subunit mediates acquisition of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity in large granular lymphocytes. We report that thymocytes and T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells express the beta-subunit of the IL-2R in the absence of detectable alpha-subunit expression and that IL-2 induces acquisition of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic activity in these cells through stimulation of the beta-subunit. |
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