Interleukin 2 inhibits migration and stimulates respiratory burst and degranulation of human neutrophils in vitro.

Interleukin 2 (IL2) is a lymphocyte product recognised for its role as a T lymphocyte growth factor. Since some other lymphokines and monokines can modulate the function of granulocytes we examined the effects of natural and recombinant human IL2 on neutrophil locomotion, respiratory burst and degranulation. Purified T cell-derived IL2 inhibited both random and chemotactically-directed migration of neutrophils. IL2 induced a respiratory burst and release of lysosomal enzymes in neutrophils and increased these responses in classically stimulated neutrophils. Recombinant IL2 was also effective in altering neutrophil functions. We conclude that IL2 modulates neutrophil function.