[Interaction of cytokines with cellular receptors]

The cytokinin family includes biologically active polypeptide molecules secreted by haemopoietic and immunocompetent cells which control cell proliferation and differentiation. Cytokinin interactions with specific receptors of the cell surface results in oligomerization of these receptors, i.e. in association of two or more membrane molecules. It is becoming obvious that oligomerization of receptors is an indispensable stage in the manifestation by cytokinins of their biological activity. In this context, studies of regularities of cytokinin receptor interactions resulting in receptor oligomerization is important for both elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying kinin action and construction of compounds having the properties of agonists (or antagonists) of cytokinin-induced oligomerization of membrane receptors. A conclusion is draw about the important role of polyvalent cytokinin interactions with cell receptors in the initiation of oligomerization and subsequent formation of functionally active receptor complex.