Interleukin-2 directly induces activation and proliferation of chicken T cells in vivo.
Cytokines, as immune activators, have been investigated in mammalian systems as natural adjuvants and therapeutics. In particular, interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been studied widely as a vaccine adjuvant and immuno-enhancer because of its role in activating T cell proliferation. We show here that the first nonmammalian IL-2 gene cloned, chicken IL-2 (ChIL-2), exhibits similar biologic activities to those of mammalian IL-2. To assess the activities of ChIL-2 in vivo, we injected birds with recombinant ChIL-2 (rChIL-2) protein. rChIL-2 treatment induced peripheral blood lymphocytes to express cell surface IL-2 receptors (IL-2R) within 48 h and resulted in an increase in the proportion of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation as a measurement of cell proliferation, we showed the increase in T cell populations to be due to cell proliferation. The ability of ChIL-2 to cause both activation and proliferation of T cells in vivo indicates that it has the potential to be used as an immune activator.
CSIRO Livestock Industries, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Australia.
Louise S
LS
Hilton
Andrew G D
AG
Bean
Wayne G
WG
Kimpton
John W
JW
Lowenthal
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D019556:COS Cells; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000187:drug effects; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D013045:Species Specificity; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects
D007376:Interleukin-2; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1; D011994:Recombinant Proteins