The role of a gamma interferon-like lymphokine in the activation of T cells for expression of interleukin 2 receptors.
Human peripheral T cells, but not non-T cells, expressed receptors for interleukin 2 when treated with partially purified human gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). The expression of the receptors was evidenced by proliferation of IFN-gamma-treated cells in the presence of IL 2 and absorption of IL 2 by treated cells. The IFN-gamma-induced expression of IL 2 receptors was associated with partially purified IFN-gamma (approximately 2000-fold purified) and was blocked by treatment of IFN-gamma with specific antibodies or destruction of IFN-gamma by acid pH. IFN-gamma induced expression of receptors in a manner similar to that of concanavalin A (Con A). Further, Con A induction of expression of receptors was blocked by simultaneous treatment of cultures with anti-IFN-gamma sera, suggesting that IFN-gamma was involved in Con A induction of IL 2 receptors. T cells in culture are continuously exposed to various forms of antigen stimulation, and thus the function of IFN-gamma may be the enhancement of expression of antigen- or mitogen-induced IL 2 receptors in a manner similar to its enhancement of expression of antigens of the major histocompatibility complex.
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000494:pharmacology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D007399:Interphase; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000032:analysis*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D007106:Immune Sera; D008222:Lymphokines; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D003208:Concanavalin A; D007371:Interferon-gamma