Superinduction of human interleukin-2 messenger RNA by inhibitors of translation.

Stimulation of human lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin results in the induction of messenger RNA encoding interleukin-2 (IL-2), a lymphokine possessing immuno-regulatory properties. We have previously demonstrated a dramatic superinduction of the formation of IL-2 and of biologically active IL-2 mRNA in the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of translation. These findings suggested the involvement of a labile protein repressor in the regulation of human IL-2 gene expression. Here, we show a commensurate superinduction of IL-2 mRNA sequences by three additional inhibitors of protein synthesis with distinct modes of action: T-2 toxin, pactamycin, and sparsomycin. These results strengthen the concept that a labile protein controls the formation of mature IL-2 mRNA. They tend to eliminate the possibility that the superinduction phenomenon observed in the presence of cycloheximide is due to its action on a process other than translation.