The role of endogenous interleukin-2 in proliferation of human carcinoma cell lines
1999
The role of interleukin-2 in cancer cell growth
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Reichert T E, Kashii Y, Stanson J, Zeevi A, Whiteside T L
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
The IL-2/IL-2R pathway is involved in the regulation of carcinoma cell proliferation.
Conclusion
Endogenous IL-2 promotes growth and protects tumor cells from apoptosis in human carcinomas.
Supporting Evidence
- IL-2 was found to be up-regulated in tumor cells undergoing mitosis.
- Tumor cells did not secrete detectable IL-2 but had membrane-associated IL-2.
- Antibodies to IL-2 did not inhibit carcinoma cell proliferation.
- Antibodies specific for the IL-2R ligand-binding site were growth inhibitory.
- Immunosuppressive drugs known to interfere with the IL-2 pathway inhibited tumor cell growth.
- Treatment with IL-2-specific antisense oligonucleotide inhibited IL-2 expression and tumor cell proliferation.
- Tumor cells treated with antisense oligonucleotide showed increased apoptosis.
Takeaway
Interleukin-2 helps cancer cells grow and stay alive, just like it does for immune cells.
Methodology
Tumor cells were treated with IL-2-specific antisense oligonucleotide to study the effects on IL-2 expression and cell proliferation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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