Article
Propagation and Control of T Cell Responses by Heparan Sulfate-Bound IL-2
The Journal of Immunology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2003
Disciplines
Abstract
IL-2, a cytokine produced by T cells, is a key regulator of immune responses and T cell homeostasis. Controlling the availability of IL-2 is consequently of significant import to the immune system. Like other cytokines, IL-2 is thought to function as a soluble agonist, transiently present when secreted in response to appropriate stimuli. In this study, we show that the most salient properties of IL-2, propagation and control of T cell responses, are mediated in vivo by bound and not free cytokine and specifically by heparan sulfate-bound IL-2. These findings necessitate a new look at how IL-2 regulates immune responses and support the notion that the microenvironment plays a determining role in modulating the character of immune responses.
Citation Information
Lucile E. Wrenshall, Jeffrey L. Platt, Elliot T. Stevens, Thomas N. Wight, et al.. "Propagation and Control of T Cell Responses by Heparan Sulfate-Bound IL-2" The Journal of Immunology Vol. 170 Iss. 11 (2003) p. 5470 - 5474 ISSN: 00221767 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/lucile_wrenshall/29/