Human lymphocytes with either the OKT4 or OKT8 phenotype produce interleukin 2 in culture.

In this study, we demonstrate that both highly purified T4+ and T8+ lymphocytes can produce substantial amounts of Interleukin 2(IL 2) when stimulated with the combination of concanavalin A (Con A) and phorbol myristate acetate. Furthermore, addition of IL 1 to macrophage-depleted T lymphocytes significantly increased IL 2 production by lymphocytes of either the T4+ or T8+ phenotype. These findings provide a basis for further studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in human immune cell interactions.