Abstract
By using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the presence of the soluble form of the interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was evaluated in the peripheral blood of 54 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Serum levels of sIL-2R were correlated with clinical features, relevant hematologic and immunological data, and in some cases, with in vitro functional studies. In 51 patients (94.4%), the levels of sIL-2R were increased as compared with normal age-matched controls (1,781 U/mL +/- 231 v 276 U/mL +/- 26, respectively; P less than .001). Although this increase was observed in all stages of the disease and independently of several hematologic and immunologic parameters, a trend toward lower levels of sIL-2R was documented in patients with a less-invasive disease. When the values were correlated with the functional status of the residual T cell population, it was found that patients with the lowest levels of sIL-2R showed the best mitogenic response and helper capacity. It is suggested that in B-CLL patients the high levels of serum sIL-2R, capable of binding to its ligand, may block the T cell-produced IL-2, thus contributing toward a defective physiological action by this lymphokine. In turn, this defective availability of IL-2 may play a part in the abnormal immunoregulation that is implicated in the hypogammaglobulinemia, susceptibility to infections, and incidence of second neoplasias often observed in this disease.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.