Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a pleiotropic cytokine demonstrated to be effective in treating cancer. However, the clinical use of IL-2 can be associated with severe side effects including gastrointestinal toxicity (GT). Similar GT symptoms are observed in inflammatory diseases such as CD (CD). Interestingly mounting evidence indicates a role for IL-2 in CD, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Indeed, studies on the in-vivo activities of IL-2 have mostly focused on secondary lymphoid organs and immune cells associated with them. Very few studies have addressed how IL-2 signals impact populations of immune cells in the gut. Here, we aim to identify and compare the effects of systemic IL-2 administration on six major leukocyte population and their subsets in mice using multicolor flow cytometry. While we confirmed previously observed changes in specific immune cell populations in the spleen, very few changes were seen in the gut and gut associated lymphoid tissues. Unexpectedly, a sharp decline was seen in B cells, most notably in Peyer's Patches, in mice treated with IL-2. Our data furthermore indicates that B cells in IL-2 treated mice undergo enhanced apoptosis in Peyer's Patches. Some studies suggest that changes in B cells may contribute to development of CD. Thus, this study may aid in defining ways in which IL-2 can contribute to disease etiology, and lead to novel treatments for CD.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2019

Semester

Fall

Advisor

McKinstry, Karl

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Medicine

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Degree Program

Biotechnology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0007865

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0007865

Language

English

Release Date

December 2020

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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Included in

Biotechnology Commons

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