The IL-2/IL-2-receptor complex in the maturation of rat T-cell progenitors.
On the basis of both the interleukin-2-receptor (IL-2R) alpha-chain expression on 16-day-old fetal rat thymocytes and the occurrence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA-containing cells early during rat thymus ontogeny, we have investigated the possible role of IL-2/IL-2R complex in rat T-cell maturation. For this purpose, we analyzed the effects of the addition of either recombinant rat IL-2 or anti-CD25 (OX-39)-blocking monoclonal antibodies to fetal thymus organ cultures (FTOC), established from 16-day-old rat embryos. IL-2 stimulated the growth of thymocytes and, as a result, induced T-cell differentiation, whereas OX-39 mAb blocked the maturation of thymic-cell progenitors. Accordingly, these results support the involvement of IL-2/IL-2R complex in rat T-cell development.
Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
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Varas
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Romo
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Jiménez
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Alonso
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Vicente
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Zapata
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2