Rapid stereospecific stimulation of lymphocytic metabolism by interleukin 2.

IL 2 maintains the viability of IL 2-dependent CTLL-2 cells. IL 2, a lymphocytotrophic factor, stimulates the cellular metabolism of IL 2 receptor-bearing CTLL-2 murine cytolytic T cells. Both aerobic (oxygen consumption) and anaerobic (lactic acid production) metabolism of CTLL-2 cell are stimulated by rIL 2. The effects of IL 2 upon murine T cells is blocked by an anti-IL 2 receptor monoclonal antibody but not by other monoclonal antibodies that bind to other proteins upon CTLL-2 cells. Changes in aerobic and anaerobic cellular metabolism occur rapidly after interaction with IL 2, whereas the effects on the cell cycle are relatively slow and may be dependent upon antecedent metabolic stimulation by IL 2. This effect of IL 2 on cell viability appears to be mediated by a direct effect on important aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways.