PROTEIN-KINASE-C IN IL-2 SIGNAL-TRANSDUCTION

Interleukin-2 (IL-2), secreted principally by activated helper T-cells , plays a pivotal role in the generation and regulation of the immune response. The various biologic functions of IL-2 have been the focus o f intensive study over the years and have been well worked out. By con trast, an understanding of the intracellular signals coupled to the IL -2 receptor and responsible for mediating IL-2 effects in T-cells is f ar less developed, and the role that protein kinase C (PKC) may play i n the various cellular responses to IL-2 receptor activation is unclea r. In this article we will discuss IL-2, its receptors, and IL-2 signa l transduction in relation to the physiological roles PKC activation m ay play in IL-2-mediated activation of T-cells and other hematopoietic cells.