Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding human interleukin-2 receptor.

The human interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor was purified by affinity chromatography using the anti-Tac monoclonal antibody, and its N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined. Complementary DNA clones were isolated and sequenced to reveal the primary structure of the IL-2 receptor precursor, which has 272 amino acid residues. The receptor is separated into two domains by a putative 19-residue transmembrane region. Two mRNAs (1.4 and 3.5 kilobases) hybridizing to the cDNA clone were found in human T cells bearing the IL-2 receptor. The cDNA directed synthesis of the IL-2 receptor in COS cells.