Porcine interleukin 2: parameters of production and biochemical characterization.

Interleukin 2 (IL2) or T cell growth factor (TCGF) has been characterized in a number of species but not in porcines. Porcine IL2 was detected in supernates (SN) of cultures of pig lymphocytes by: 1) the stimulation of the IL2-sensitive murine T cell line, CT6; 2) a costimulator assay involving porcine thymocytes; and 3) by the in vitro maintenance of antigen or mitogen-induced porcine lymphoblastoid cells. Porcine IL2 production by pig lymphocytes was induced by the mitogens Concanavalin A (Con A) Phytohemagglutiniin (PHA), and Pokeweed mitogen (PWM), but not by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL2 activity was demonstrated in the SN of mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte cultures as early as 24 hr after initiation of culture, reached peak levels at 48 hr, and decreased by 72 hr. Mitogens induced IL2 secretion by pig peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymph node cells, and spleen cells, but not thymus cells. The cells responsible for IL2 production are presumptive T cells because: 1) they are nylon wool non-adherent; and 2) are non-surface-Ig bearing. In contrast, SN from cultures of surface Ig-positive cells had minimal IL2 activity. Porcine IL2 resembles rat and human IL2 in that it has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 15,000, and does not bind to DEAE-cellulose (DE-52) ion exchange columns equilibrated in 0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.6).