Human Interleukin-2 and Hen Egg White Lysozyme: Screening for Bacteriolytic Activity against Various Bacterial Cells

Abstract

The bacteriolytic activity of interleukin-2 and hen egg white lysozyme against 34 different species of microorganisms has been studied. It was found that 6 species of microorganisms are lysed in the presence of interleukin-2. All interleukin-2-sensitive microorganisms belong either to the Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, or the Lactobacillaceae family. It was also found that 12 species of microorganisms are lysed in the presence of lysozyme, and 16 species of microorganisms are lysed in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The bacteriolytic activity of interleukin-2 and lysozyme was studied at various pH values.

Bacteriolytic Activity Of Human Interleukin-2, Chicken Egg Lysozyme In The Presence Of Potential Effectors

“…This cytokine was recently shown to exhibit bacteriolytic acitivity [3-6]. The physiological significance of the recently identified bacteriolytic activity for this important cytokine is unclear.…”

“…Interleukin-2 plays a key role in the regulation of the immune system and is used as medication for various oncological diseases [ 1 , 2 ]. This cytokine was recently shown to exhibit bacteriolytic acitivity [ 3 - 6 ]. The physiological significance of the recently identified bacteriolytic activity for this important cytokine is unclear.…”

“…The physiological significance of the recently identified bacteriolytic activity for this important cytokine is unclear. Interleukin-2 shows a substrate specificity distinct from that of chicken egg lysozyme [ 3 - 6 ]. However, there are microorganisms that are affected by both interleukin-2 and lysozyme.…”