An ELISA that detects cell-associated and released rat IL-2 receptors in a soluble form

A mouse anti-rat interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) monoclonal antibody (mAb), ART-65, has recently been developed which recognizes the rat IL-2R but binds to an epitope distinct from that recognized by the mAb ART-18. The availability of two mAb against the rat IL-2R molecule permitted the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which detects soluble and solubilized rat IL-2R. Using this ELISA, time course studies of ConA and LPS-activated rat splenocytes revealed that IL-2R are released into their environment during the culture period, and that IL-2R can be detected in rat sera. The significance of the results is discussed.