IL-2 Induces an Altered CD4/CD8 Ratio of Splenic T Lymphocytes from Transgenic Mice Overexpressing the Glucocorticoid-Induced Protein GILZ

Abstract

We used transgenic mice to investigate the effect of IL-2 stimulation on T lymphocyte functions of GILZ-overexpressing splenic T cells. When compared to their controls, T cells from transgenic mice underwent normal activation after stimulation with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies, as evaluated by CD25 expression, CD2 up-regulation and proliferation. IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ increased more consistently in CD3/CD28-triggered TG compared to WT splenic CD4+ cells. Analysis of the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells demonstrated a decreased CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio (1:1 instead of 1:2) in response to IL-2 stimulation, possibly due to an unresponsiveness of IL-2 receptor β and/or γ chains. Finally, the total number of T cells was significantly increased in aged mice and this was due to the augmentation of CD4+ T cells. These results support the hypothesis that GILZ regulates, at least in part, peripheral T-cell functions by influencing their responsiveness to IL-2.

Keywords:

• Glucocorticoids
• GILZ
• spleen
• T lymphocytes
• IL-2
• CD4/CD8 ratio