1. These cellular responses are mediated by a surface receptor complex of which three separate peptide chains have been described.7 1718 The et chain of the receptor (Tac protein) is released from the cell surface8 and in its soluble form retains affinity for interleukin 2.19 The rate of release is related to the degree of surface expression (T cell activation). Soluble interleukin 2 receptor concentration is raised in diseases such as graft versus host disease,20 rapidly progressive scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus,2' lymphoreticular malignancy,22 and systemic but not localised parasitic infection.23 An excellent correlation exists between serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor concentration and the Ritchie articular index in rheumatoid arthritis, in which falls in receptor concentration predict clinical improvement and rises are seen before clinical relapse.'0
2. Predominance of T lymphocytes in the dermal infiltrate of atopic dermatitis;BrJ Dermnatol,1979
3. Quantitative analysis of T lymphocyte subsets in atopic eczema using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytofluorimetry;Zachary, C.B.; MacDonald, D.M.,1983
4. Humoral and cellular immunity in children with active and quiescent atopic dermatitis;Chiarelli, F.; Canfora, G.; Verrotti, A.; Amerio, P.; Morgese, G.;BrJDermatol,1987
5. Triggering of the T3-Ti antigen-receptor complex results in clonal T cell proliferation through an interleukin 2 dependent autocrine pathway;Meuer, S.C.; Hussey, R.E.; Cantrell, D.A.;Proc Natl Acad Sci USA,1984