Retinoic acid-induced modulation of IL-2 mRNA production and IL-2 receptor expression on T cells.
BACKGROUND
Retinoic acid (RA) has important immune-modulating effects on both T and B cell function. Our laboratory has shown that RA can enhance in vitro polyclonal B cell immunoglobulin (Ig) response. Investigating cytokines known to affect B cell differentiation, we have recently shown that IL-6 production is augmented by RA. In the present study we have examined the immune modulating effects of RA on IL-2 mRNA, another important cytokine for B cell immunoglobulin production, the expression of IL-2 receptors on T cells, and the RA nuclear receptors.


METHODS
Purified T cells were obtained from adenoidal tissues, and incubated with RA (10(-7) M) or DMSO solvent/media control for 0, 6-8, and 24 h. Total mRNA was extracted from T cells, and using RT-PCR, changes in the production of IL-2 and RA receptors (RAR)-alpha,beta,gamma mRNA were determined. The effects of RA on IL-2-alpha receptor expression was determined by flow cytometry on T cells.


CONCLUSIONS
These studies suggest that RA can augment IL-2 mRNA production by T cells with a possible paracrine effect on IL-2R-alpha expression. These changes appear to be mediated by RAR-alpha. Thus, IL-2 may be another important cytokine modulated by RA in the immune response.
Ballow
M
M
Children's Hospital, State University of New York, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222, USA.
Xiang
S
S
Greenberg
S J
SJ
Brodsky
L
L
Allen
C
C
Rich
G
G
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid / Q000187:drug effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid; D014212:Tretinoin