THE IL-2 RECEPTOR COMPLEX - EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION ON NORMAL AND LEUKEMIC B-CELLS

The interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R) is composed of at least three diffe rent chains that may be variably expressed on normal and neoplastic ly mphocytes. While considerable knowledge has been gained on the express ion of the IL-2R alpha chain on human leukemic cells of different orig in, less is known of the beta and gamma chains. In view of the highly pleiotropic functions exerted by IL-2, the IL-2-IL-2R interactions may play an important role in various leukemias. In this review we focus on the expression and function of the IL-2R complex on human normal an d leukemic B cells. Possible implications in the expansion of the neop lastic clone and in the clinical course of the disease are discussed.