Phorbol ester-induced expression and function of the interleukin 2 receptor in human B lymphocytes

The expression of the interleukin 2 receptor (Tac) on normal B cells and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid B cell lines is induced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The receptor on B cells is indistinguishable from that on T cells by serological and biochemical analysis. It is functionally active so that TPA-induced B cells respond to interleukin 2 by increased DNA synthesis. These results suggest that the expression of Tac is not exclusively restricted to T cells and that interleukin 2 may play a role in B cell differentiation.