Interleukin 2 receptor gene expression in normal human T lymphocytes

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1985 Sep;82(18):6281-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.82.18.6281.

Abstract

We have used cDNAs for the human interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor to study IL-2 receptor gene expression in normal activated T cells. Resting T cells do not contain detectable IL-2 receptor mRNA. Within 1 hr after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a large, presumably nuclear precursor RNA species is seen, which then gradually disappears. Mature IL-2 receptor mRNA forms appear within 8 hr after stimulation, reach peak levels between 8 and 24 hr, and then decline. Thus, in PHA-activated lymphocytes the rise and fall in IL-2 receptor mRNA levels precede by more than 24 hr the peak and decline of IL-2 receptor protein expression occurring at the cell surface. 4 beta-Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also stimulates IL-2 receptor mRNA and protein expression by T cells. Combinations of optimal concentrations of PHA and PMA produce an additive effect on IL-2 receptor mRNA levels, suggesting that PHA and PMA may induce IL-2 receptor gene expression through different, complementary mechanisms. Nuclease S1-protection assays indicate that IL-2 receptor mRNAs may differ in length due to the use of three different polyadenylylation signals. Further, these assays demonstrate the presence of transcripts that lack a 216-base segment within the protein-coding region and thus do not encode a functional IL-2 receptor. Nuclear transcription assays indicate that the increase in IL-2 receptor mRNA is reflected at the level of transcription. Thus, IL-2 receptor gene regulation controls IL-2 receptor expression at the cell surface and is intimately linked to the control of T-cell proliferation.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Division
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • DNA / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-B7 Antigen
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Poly A / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-B7 Antigen
  • Interleukin-2
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Poly A
  • DNA