ABSTRACT
It has been shown that activated T-cells produce and release both IL-2 and IL 2 receptors [IL-2R]. The rate of IL-2 release is proportional to its cell surface expression and state of cell activation. To clarify the molecular basis of this immunological aberration, we analysed the amount of soluble IL-2R[SIL2-R] by an ELISA technique in 68 patients with Behcet's disease [BD], 28 patient controls [PC] and 31 normal controls [NC]. The data suggest that the amount of SIL-2R in BD is significantly higher [P<0.005] than that of NC. The same differences were seen between PC and NC[P<0.005]. However the level of SIL-2R in BD and PC were similar. This study suggests that inhibition of an immunoregulatory cytokine by its soluble receptors might occur in Vivo, as the reduction of SIL-2R levels approaching control values preceded clinical remission