Publications

The DNA sequence encoding all of the putative intracytoplasmic domain and most of the trans-membrane domain of the human IL 2 receptor was deleted from a full length receptor cDNA. After expression in mouse L cells, the resultant "anchor minus" cDNA was found to direct the synthesis of a secreted rather than membrane-associated form of the IL 2 receptor. The secreted receptor protein (44,000 to 46,000 Mr) retained the capacity to bind both IL 2 and the monoclonal anti-Tac antibody, as evidenced by retention on IL 2 and anti-Tac affinity columns, inhibition of [3H]-anti-Tac binding to HUT 102B2 cells, and partial inhibition of IL 2-induced CTLL proliferation. Removal of these domains from the IL 2 receptor did not alter the posttranslational processing or rate of export of the truncated receptor protein. These data confirm the proposed membrane orientation of the IL 2 receptor (NH2 terminus out, COOH terminus in) and underscore the anchoring function of this carboxy terminal receptor segment. The availability of such anchor minus receptor cDNA constructs may facilitate purification of large quantities of receptor protein for further analysis of receptor structure, valency, and localization of the IL 2 binding site(s).

To determine whether the combination of an agent thought to inhibit mediator release (cromolyn) and an agent that inhibits parasympathetic pathways inhibits sulfur dioxide-induced bronchoconstriction more than either agent alone, we measured the bronchomotor response of 9 asthmatic subjects to inhalation of sulfur dioxide after treatment with cromolyn sodium (200 mg by spinhaler), with atropine sulfate (2.0 mg by nebulizer), and with the 2 drugs given together. Then, to determine whether the combination of cromolyn and a parasympathetic antagonist would similarly inhibit bronchoconstriction provoked by a different nonallergic stimulus, we measured the bronchomotor response of another group of asthmatic subjects to eucapnic hyperpnea of dry air at room temperature after treatment with cromolyn (200 mg), with ipratropium bromide (100 and 200 micrograms by metered-dose inhaler), and with cromolyn (200 mg) and ipratropium bromide (200 micrograms) given together. In both studies, we found that the combination treatment provided greater protection than that obtained with either agent alone. The concentration of sulfur dioxide required to cause bronchoconstriction was significantly greater after treatment with the combination of cromolyn and atropine (2.58 ppm, geometric mean) than after cromolyn alone (0.84 ppm), after atropine alone (0.78 ppm), or after placebo (0.43 ppm). Similarly, the rate of ventilation with dry air required to cause bronchoconstriction was significantly greater after treatment with the combination of cromolyn and ipratropium (106 +/- 22 L/min, mean +/- SD) than after cromolyn alone (65 +/- 19 L/min), after 200 micrograms of ipratropium alone (64 +/- 13 L/min), or after placebo (43 +/- 10 L/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The human T-lymphotropic viruses types I and II (HTLV-I and -II) have been etiologically linked with certain T-cell leukemias and lymphomas that characteristically display membrane receptors for interleukin-2. The relation of these viruses to this growth factor receptor has remained unexplained. It is demonstrated here that introduction of the trans-activator (tat) gene of HTLV-II into the Jurkat T-lymphoid cell line results in the induction of both interleukin-2 receptor and interleukin-2 gene expression. The coexpression of these cellular genes may play a role in the altering T-cell growth following retroviral infection.

The proteins expressing interleukin 1 (IL 1) activity from rat peritoneal macrophages and cultured glomerular mesangial cells were compared after purification to apparent homogeneity. The purified IL 1 shared a number of biochemical features including m.w., charge, and specific activity. These findings were extended by the results of proteolytic peptide mapping, which revealed similar breakdown oligopeptides, confirming the close resemblance of these two IL 1 species produced by macrophages and mesangial cells. The purified mesangial cell IL 1 acts as an autocrine or paracrine growth factor. The local release of this cytokine may be an important factor in glomerular diseases characterized by mesangial proliferation and matrix expansion.