Expression of the human IL-2 receptor on lymphocytes involves rapid turnover of its p55 α-Subunit (Tac)

Dror Sayar, Mali Ketzinel, Lisya Gerez, Chana Silberberg, Ayelet Reshef, Raymond Kaempfer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Upon mitogenic stimulation, both mRNA encoding the p55 α-subunit (Tac) of the human IL-2Rα and IL-2Rα protein are induced and expressed in tonsil lymphocyte populations over several days. Using a quantitative dot-blot immunoassay for the IL-2Rα subunit, a rapid disappearance of this polypeptide from cells is demonstrated in the presence of the translation inhibitor, cycloheximide. The half-life of IL-2Rα subunit protein is 2 to 3 h. This decline in cell-associated IL-2Rα subunit is matched by a rapid decline in IL-2Rα on the cell surface and is not accompanied by any increase in soluble IL-2Rα protein. Long term expression of the IL-2R on the cell surface is thus the result of continual synthesis and rapid breakdown of IL-2Rα chains in the cell. Steady state expression of the IL-2R after an immune stimulus hence depends upon continuous expression of the IL-2Rα subunit gene. Rapid turnover of the unstable α-subunit on the cell surface provides a novel mechanism for sensitive control of functional IL-2R expression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2946-2949
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume145
Issue number9
StatePublished - 1 Nov 1990

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Expression of the human IL-2 receptor on lymphocytes involves rapid turnover of its p55 α-Subunit (Tac)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this