IL-4 acts synergistically on the IL-2 response of an autoreactive T-cell clone; synergism correlates with increased intracellular IL-2, but not with a modified IL-2 receptor expression

Cell Immunol. 1990 Oct 1;130(1):79-91. doi: 10.1016/0008-8749(90)90163-l.

Abstract

TE44, an H-2b-restricted, self-reactive T-cell line, did not produce autocrine-acting growth factors, neither after antigenic nor after mitogenic activation; they remained for their proliferation completely dependent on exogenously added IL-2. Administration of IL-4, which poorly promotes growth by itself, resulted in a 5- to 10-fold enhancement of the specific biological activity of IL-2 on antigen-activated TE44-cells. This synergism was exerted nonreciprocally and required the presence of both lymphokines. IL-4 did not affect the number, nor the affinity, nor the rate of internalization of the high-affinity receptors for IL-2. However, increased levels of intracellular IL-2 were observed, suggesting an effect of IL-4 on the turnover of IL-2. This might allow a prolonged activity of IL-2 or IL-2-associated molecules inside the cell. Furthermore, the lack of autocrine growth factor production by antigen-stimulated TE44 is discussed in terms of its relationship to the autoimmune specificity of these T-cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Autoimmunity
  • Cell Line
  • Drug Synergism
  • Endocytosis / drug effects
  • Growth Substances / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-2 / administration & dosage*
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-4 / administration & dosage*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • Growth Substances
  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-4