Strategies to radiolabel interleukin 1 and 2

The lymphocytotrophic hormones IL-1 and IL-2 have central functions in initiating the immune response. At present, very little is known about their in vivo effects in immunologically mediated diseases. Serum levels of these hormones have not been measured by radioimmunoassay methods, and cell proliferation assays of their levels in serum are difficult to interpret. Production of radioligands of high specific activity and preserved biological function may soon be possible.