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The human interleukin-2 receptor: analysis of structure and function
Considerable information presently exists regarding the molecular, biochemical, and biological features of the human IL-2 receptor. The IL-2 receptor protein, multiple receptor mRNAs, and a single structural gene have now been identified. The important role of this receptor in normal T-cell growth is well established and its potential participation in B-cell growth and differentiation appreciated. The availability of cloned gene products for both the IL-2 receptor and IL-2 may permit the future development of novel biological agents capable of either augmenting or blunting the T-cell immune response. The intriguing interrelationship of HTLV-I and -II infection and altered IL-2 receptor expression is now being unraveled. However, the structural difference in high and low affinity receptors as well as the mechanism by which signals for T-cell growth are propagated through the high affinity receptor remain dominant, unanswered questions in the field.
Considerable information presently exists regarding the molecular, biochemical, and biological features of the human IL-2 receptor. The IL-2 receptor protein, multiple receptor mRNAs, and a single structural gene have now been identified. The important role of this receptor in normal T-cell growth is well established and its potential participation in B-cell growth and differentiation appreciated. The availability of cloned gene products for both the IL-2 receptor and IL-2 may permit the future development of novel biological agents capable of either augmenting or blunting the T-cell immune response. The intriguing interrelationship of HTLV-I and -II infection and altered IL-2 receptor expression is now being unraveled. However, the structural difference in high and low affinity receptors as well as the mechanism by which signals for T-cell growth are propagated through the high affinity receptor remain dominant, unanswered questions in the field.