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Article
Interleukin-2 is Present in Human Blood Vessels and Released in Biologically Active Form by Heparanase
Immunology and Cell Biology
  • John D. Miller
  • Suzanne E. Clabaugh, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Deandra R. Smith
  • R. Brian Stevens, Wright State University
  • Lucile E. Wrenshall, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2012
Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a multifaceted cytokine with immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive properties. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that the availability of IL-2 is regulated, in part, by association with perlecan, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Given the abundance of perlecan in blood vessels, we asked whether IL-2 is present in vessel walls. Our results indicate that IL-2 is associated with endothelial and smooth muscle cells within the human arterial wall. This IL-2 is released by heparanase, and promotes the proliferation of an IL-2-dependent cell line. Given the presence of IL-2 in human arteries, we asked whether the large vessels of IL-2-deficient mice were normal. The aortas of IL-2-deficient mice exhibited a loss of smooth muscle cells, suggesting that IL-2 may contribute to their survival. In their entirety, these results suggest a here-to-fore unrecognized role of IL-2 in vascular biology, and have significant implications for both the immune and cardiovascular systems.

DOI
10.1038/icb.2011.45
Citation Information
John D. Miller, Suzanne E. Clabaugh, Deandra R. Smith, R. Brian Stevens, et al.. "Interleukin-2 is Present in Human Blood Vessels and Released in Biologically Active Form by Heparanase" Immunology and Cell Biology Vol. 90 Iss. 2 (2012) p. 159 - 167 ISSN: 08189641
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/r_stevens/20/