Membrane carbohydrates of lymphoid cells: the receptor for interleukin 2

The contribution of sialic acids and of N-linked sugars to the biological activity of the receptor for IL 2 has been evaluated by treating activated cells with Neuraminidase or by growing them in the presence of inhibitors of N-linked glycosylation or processing. After treatment with Neuraminidase, Con A-activated spleen cells had not lost their ability to bind IL 2. The IL 2-absorbing capability was, however, strongly reduced after trypsinisation. 6 hours after Trypsin treatment, this property was again expressed. Proliferation of the IL 2-dependent CTLL cells was normal in the presence of Swainsonine but strongly impaired in the presence of Tunicamycin. Glycosylation of the IL 2 receptor may thus be required, but integrity of the sugars is not critical.