Control of human T-colony formation by interleukin-2
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Abstract:
T-colony formation can be induced in PHA-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) from man, but not in PHA-stimulated purified T cells, the latter requiring the presence of factors produced by PHA-stimulated PBM and termed T-colony promoting activity (TCPA). In this paper, we demonstrate that interleukin-2 (IL-2), the growth hormone of T lymphocytes, controls T-colony formation. We show that: IL-2 activity and TCPA produced by PHA-activated PBM are co-purified by gel filtration and chromatography on blue agarose, a procedure which yields a 850-fold IL-2 purification; recombinant IL-2, produced by genetically manipulated Escherichia coli, can induce T-colony formation in PHA-stimulated purified T cells; Monoclonal antibody against the IL-2 receptor (anti-Tac antibody) completely inhibits the T-colony formation in PHA-stimulated PBM when directly added to the culture system.
Insights
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) drives T-cell colony formation, a process previously requiring accessory cell factors. This study confirms IL-2
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- T-colony formation in humans requires accessory factors (T-colony promoting activity, TCPA) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM).
- Purified T cells alone do not form colonies when stimulated with PHA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific factor responsible for T-colony formation.
- To elucidate the role of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) in T-cell proliferation and colony formation.
Main Methods:
- Co-purification of IL-2 activity and TCPA using gel filtration and blue agarose chromatography.
- Induction of T-colony formation using recombinant IL-2 in purified T cells.
- Inhibition of T-colony formation using a monoclonal antibody against the IL-2 receptor (anti-Tac).
Main Results:
- IL-2 activity and TCPA were co-purified, achieving an 850-fold IL-2 purification.
- Recombinant IL-2 successfully induced T-colony formation in purified T cells.
- Anti-Tac antibody completely blocked T-colony formation in PHA-stimulated PBM.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is the primary factor responsible for T-colony promoting activity (TCPA).
- IL-2 directly controls T-colony formation in PHA-stimulated T cells.
- The IL-2 receptor pathway is critical for T-cell colony formation.