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Interleukin 2 produced by activated B lymphocytes acts as an autocrine proliferation-inducing lymphokine

A Lagoo1, C K Tseng, S Sell

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77030.

Cytokine
|July 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Activated B cells secrete interleukin 2 (IL 2), a soluble factor crucial for B cell proliferation. This study confirms B cells, not T cells, are a significant source of IL 2 in rabbits.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • B cells are key players in adaptive immunity.
  • Interleukin 2 (IL 2) is primarily known as a T cell growth factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether normal peripheral blood B cells produce a soluble factor functionally similar to IL 2.
  • To determine if B cells themselves are a source of IL 2 activity.

Main Methods:

  • Purified rabbit B cells were stimulated with ionomycin and PMA.
  • Culture supernatants were tested for their ability to support the IL 2-dependent CTLL-2 cell line.
  • Antibody blocking assays and further B cell purification were employed to confirm the source of IL 2 activity.

Main Results:

  • Activated B cells secreted a factor supporting CTLL-2 proliferation.
  • This activity was significantly blocked by anti-IL 2 antibodies and an IL 2 receptor antibody.
  • Highly purified B cells produced comparable IL 2 activity, indicating B cells are the source.
  • B cell supernatants promoted B-cell blast proliferation, absorbed by CTLL-2 cells.

Conclusions:

  • Rabbit peripheral blood B cells produce and secrete IL 2 upon activation.
  • B cells are a significant source of IL 2, contributing to B cell proliferation.
  • IL 2 functions as a B cell growth factor in rabbits.

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