Differential effects of interleukin-2 blockade on apoptosis in naïve and activated human lymphocytes

Certain transplantation immunosuppressive strategies are primarily based on the interruption of interleukin (IL)-2 signaling by calcineurin inhibition or anti-IL-2 receptor-antibody blockade. However, recent evidence suggests that IL-2 is necessary for peripheral deletion of allograft-specific lymphocytes.

In this study, we examined the apoptotic effects of the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A, the chimeric anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibody, basiliximab, and the rabbit antihuman thymocyte preparation Thymoglobulin (rATG) on phytohemagglutinin-activated human lymphocyte models designed to simulate initial exposure to the graft or ongoing rejection of the graft.

We found that rATG increases Fas expression, decreases Bcl-2 expression, and induces early apoptosis in naïve lymphocytes. However, rATG has more of a necrotic effect on activated lymphocytes. Basiliximab and cyclosporine had little effect on apoptosis, but did alter Bcl-2 and Fas expression.

Compared with IL-2 pathway inhibitors, rATG increases lymphocyte apoptosis, probably via Bcl-2 pathway inhibition. Because apoptosis is required for the development of graft tolerance, induction strategies that use IL-2-independent pathways may be advantageous.