DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF THE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR-BETA (P75) CHAIN ON HUMAN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD NATURAL-KILLER SUBSETS

The interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) is composed of at least two subuntts, the IL-2Rα (P55, CD25/Tac) and IL-2Rβ (p70-75) chains. In the present study we have Identified the quantitative expression of IL-2Rβ on subsets of NK cells In peripheral blood using flow cytometry and a recently established mAb against IL-2Rβ (TU27). We demonstrate that NK cells are not a homogeneous population but that phenotypic subsets exist, and that the levels of IL-2Rβ expression correlate with these subsets. The levels of IL-2Rβ expression on NK subsets are CD3-CD16-CD56bright NK cells (immature NK) > CD16+CD57- NK cells (mature NK) > CD16 + CD57+ NK cells (more mature NK) in adult peripheral blood lymphocytes. The level of IL-2Rβ expression on CD16+ NK cells in cord blood Is significantly higher than that In adult PBL. These findings suggest that there may be a Inverse relationship between IL-2Rβ expression and the differentiation of NK cells. IL-2Rβ, preferentially expressed on the NK cells, may play an Important role In differentiation and maturation of NK cells. © 1990 Oxford University Press.