Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 are considered as important regulators of growth and differentiation of lymphocytes. We report that in mice made deficient for both IL-2 and IL-4 by gene targeting all major T cell subsets and B cells were normal, indicating that IL-2 and IL-4 are not essential for development of the immune system. Paradoxically, proliferation of T cells was increased in both IL-2 and IL-4-deficient homozygous mice.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, Surface / biosynthesis
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B-Lymphocytes / physiology
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Bone Marrow / growth & development
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Immune System / growth & development*
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Immunoglobulins / biosynthesis
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Interleukin-2 / deficiency*
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Interleukin-2 / genetics
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Interleukin-4 / deficiency*
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Interleukin-4 / genetics
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Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
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Leukocyte Common Antigens
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Lymph Nodes / growth & development
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Lymphocyte Activation / physiology
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Mice
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Mice, Mutant Strains
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T-Lymphocytes / physiology
Substances
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Antigens, Surface
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Immunoglobulins
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Interleukin-2
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Interleukin-4
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Leukocyte Common Antigens