Introduction:
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a cytokine expressed by human lymphocytes that have been stimulated by antigens or mitogens. In addition to measurement of cytokines in serum samples, detection can be performed inside the cells producing these cytokines using flow cytometry. This enables identification of the immuno-phenotype of cytokine-producing cells by (multicolor) immunostaining techniques. Recently, a (possible) functional activity could be recognized between different subtypes of T cells based on their difference in cytokine expression profile. Characterization of these cells may become important for the determination of the status of the immune-system in patients.

Application:
In response to penetration of foreign antigens in humans, a balanced network between humoral and cellular immune-responses will be elicited. Regulation is provided by cell-cell contact and by a complex array of cytokines, (soluble) factors produced by these cells. Cytokines, like interleukins (IL), can behave stimulatory or inhibitory, or can even perform both activities, depending on the (pre-) activation stage of the target cell. Lymphocytes, like T helper/inducer cells (TH cells) and cytotoxic/suppressor T cells (TCYT cells) play an important role in antigen-specific immune-responses. TH 1 cells (producing a.o. IL-2 and IFN-g ) seem to be involved in cell-mediated immune-responses, while TH 2 cells (producing a.o. IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9 and IL-10) appear to have an important role in humoral immune-responses. TH 1 cells and TH 2 cells seem to be derived from progenitor TH 0 cells, which can produce e.g. IL-2, IFN-g , IL-4 and IL-5. Both T helper types may produce variable amounts of IL-3, TNF-a , TNF-ß, and other cytokines. In addition, TCYT cells appear to show a similar difference in expression of certain cytokines, which may allow to introduce a disctinction between TC 1 and TC 2 cells. Much interest is focussing on the detection of the functional activity of T helper cells using multicolor immunnophenotyping in combination with intracellular detection of different cytokines. Clinically, a number of important correlations have been put forward. As stated above, TH 1 cells appear to be involved in cell-mediated immune-responses like in bacterial infections, development of auto-immune diseases and transplant rejection. Whereas, TH 2 cells appear to be involved in immune protection in response to allergens, but may also lead to allergenic reactivity. Furthermore, development of progressive disease in patients with HIV infection, may be accompanied by a shift from a TH 1 cell response to a TH 2 cell response. These findings can be important for the therapeutic approach of HIV during disease.

Specifications:
Clone N7-48A produces IgG2a immunoglobulins directed against the human IL-2 (e.g. ref. 1,2,4).

Characteristics:
Human interleukin 2 is a 15 kDa molecular weight glycoprotein, produced by human lymphocytes that have been stimulated by antigens or mitogens. Without stimulation, IL-2 is produced in low amounts by T helper 1 cells in vivo. Originally, IL-2 was referred to as T cell growth factor. T cell hybridomas or a leukemia cell line like Jurkat, produce increased amounts of IL-2 In vitro. The function of IL-2 is related to a rapid clonal expansion of T cells. In addition, other cytokines are produced. IL-2 can act on a variety of cells in vivo, like B cells, NK cells, monocytes and macrophages. Furthermore, IL-2 can elicit LAK cells.

Product Availability:
Anti-Interleukin 2 (IL-2), clone N7-48A is available in the following product form:

IQP-161R	Anti-IL-2 PE conjugated IgG	50 tests/vial (0,5 ml)
IQP-161P	Anti-IL-2 Purified IgG	50 tests/vial (0,5 ml)

Literature references:

1. Andersson, U. et al. Simultaneous production of interleukin-2, interleukin-4 and interferon-g by activated human blood lymphocytes. Eur.J.Immunol., 20, 1591-1596, (1990).
2. Jung, T. et al. Detection of intracellular cytokines by flow cytometry. J.Immunol. Methods, 159, 197-207, (1993).
3. Jung, T. et al. Interleukin-4 and interleukin-5 are rarely co-expressed by human T cells. Eur.J.Immunol., 25, 2413-2416, (1995).
4. Jung, T. et al. Decreased frequency of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 producing cells in patients with atopic diseases measured at the single cell level. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 96, 515-527, (1995).
5. C.Prussin and Metcalfe,CC. Detection of intracytoplasmic cytokine using flow cytometry and directly conjugated anti-cytokine antibodies. J. Immunol. Methods., 188, 117-128, (1995).
6. Mosmann, T.R., and Sad, S. The expanding universe of T-cell subsets: TH1, TH2 and more. Immunol. Today, 17, 138-146, (1996).
7. Manettie, R. et al. CD30 Expression by CD8+ T cells producing Type 2 helper cytokines. Evidence for large numbers of CD8+ CD30+ T cell clones in Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. J.Exp.Med., 180, 2407-2411, (1994).