Abstract
For the purpose of analyzing the functions of regional lymph node lymphocytes (RLNL) in human lung cancer, we compared the response of RLNL to interleukin-2 (IL-2) with that of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). With [3H]-thymidine incorporation, the entire RLNL population, including nonadherent RLNL and their E-rosette+ population, showed much stronger responses to IL-2, especially at low concentrations, than did PBL. After RLNL were cultured with IL-2 for 6 days, both IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) α and β chains on CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells were analyzed and compared to those of PBL by using a flow cytometer. Compared to PBL, the expression of the IL-2R α chain on the CD4+ cells of RLNL was more highly enhanced by the addition of IL-2. These data suggest that even in low concentrations RLNL show a higher response to IL-2. These findings might shed new light on immunotherapy using RLNL in lung cancer patients.
