# ROLE OF IL2 RECEPTOR POSITIVE CELLS IN TRANSPLANTATION

> **NIH NIH R01** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 1989 · $254,881

## Abstract

This proposal focuses upon understanding the functions of antigen
activated populations of host leukocytes, their products and their
interrelationships which are mobilized in response to a
vascularized organ allograft; these responses include both the
events of acute rejection of cardiac grafts in untreated
histoincompatible rat recipients and those responsible for
prolonged survival in immunologically modified hosts.  The role of
activated leukocytes developing receptors for interleukin 2 (IL2R+
cells) in rejection will be emphasized, and their modulation by
various IL2R targeted therapies assessed, a novel approach to
specific immunosuppression.  In particular, these therapies will be
used as probes to determine function and kinetics of IL2R+ cells
infiltrating the graft and occurring in host peripheral lymphoid
tissues, the influence of these cells on other populations and their
effect on cytokine production.  For comparison, IL2R+ cells will
be investigated in other states of host unresponsiveness, including
animals treated with cyclosporine (CsA), or in immunological
enhancement.  The differential functions, interactions and
migrational properties of T helper (Th,CD4) and T
cytotoxic/suppressor (Tc/s,CD8) phenotypes will be defined
serially; specifically, the putative sparing effect of IL2R directed
therapies on cells with suppressor activity will be examined.
Isolated IL2R+ macrophages, an important component of the
IL2R+ infiltrate, will be cultured then stimulated with cytokines
or down regulated with CsA.  Function of these regulated cells
will then be assessed in vivo by transfer studies.  Dendritic cells
will be studied as inducers of immune responsiveness in the
context of transplantation, with emphasis on their role in
activating resting T lymphocytes to develop IL2R, as well as their
migration patterns.  The differential production and function of
cytokines will be investigated in anti-IL2R treated recipients,
stressing their effects on lymphocyte subpopulations in vivo.
Taken together, these studies should delineate the role of antigen
activated IL2R+ leukocytes in host responsiveness toward
vascularized organ allografts.  Their modulation by specific
therapies may be critical in clinical transplantation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128504
- **Project number:** 5R01AI019071-16
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JDLVAVGYJQ21
- **Principal Investigator:** NICHOLAS L TILNEY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $254,881
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-08-01 → 1992-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128504

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128504, ROLE OF IL2 RECEPTOR POSITIVE CELLS IN TRANSPLANTATION (5R01AI019071-16). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128504. Licensed CC0.

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