Interleukin 2 regulates expression of its receptor and synthesis of gamma interferon by human T lymphocytes.
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-gamma) 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-gamma in vitro. Dexamethasone, an immunosuppressant drug that inhibits IL-2 synthesis, diminished the expression of IL-2 receptors and the synthesis of IFN-gamma. 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-gamma. 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-gamma synthesis, inhibiting it almost completely. The inhibitory effect of dexamethasone IFN-gamma synthesis may be of clinical importance, since IFN-gamma activates macrophages and thereby triggers one of the defense mechanisms against bacterial infections.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000378:metabolism; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000502:physiology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000378:metabolism*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D003208:Concanavalin A; D003907:Dexamethasone; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate