Regulation of lymphocyte tumor necrosis factor receptors by IL-2

J Immunol. 1989 Oct 1;143(7):2236-41.

Abstract

Activated lymphocytes are known to express TNF receptors. The precise stimuli involved in induction and regulation of these receptors have not been elucidated. Our findings demonstrate that IL-2, alone and in serum-free conditions, can trigger and regulate TNF receptor expression on normal lymphocytes. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that the receptor was rapidly induced on CD4, CD8, and CD16+ cells after IL-2 stimulation. Receptors increased with culture duration, became maximal between days 5 and 9, and were maintained for 18 to 20 days in the presence of IL-2. By using 125I-TNF and FITC-TNF binding, we present evidence that IL-2 concentration determines the magnitude of lymphoid TNF receptor expression--influencing both the percentage of TNF-positive cells within the population and the number of receptors/cell. Collectively, our results are persuasive for consideration of IL-2 as a central mediator in the regulation of lymphocyte TNF receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate
  • Fluoresceins
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / pharmacology*
  • Kinetics
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / classification
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / metabolism*
  • Thiocyanates
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism*

Substances

  • Fluoresceins
  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Thiocyanates
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate