Functional Activation of Jak1 and Jak3 by Selective Association with IL-2 Receptor Subunits

The interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) consists of three subunits: the IL-2Rα, IL-2Rβ, and IL-2Rγ chains, the last of which is also used in the receptors for IL-4, IL-7, and IL-9. Stimulation with IL-2 induces the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of the Janus kinases Jak1 and Jak3. Jak1 and Jak3 were found to be selectively associated with the "serine-rich" region of IL-2Rβ and the carboxyl-terminal region of IL-2Rγ, respectively. Both regions were necessary for IL-2 signaling. Furthermore, Jak3-negative fibroblasts expressing reconstituted IL-2R became responsive to IL-2 after the additional expression of Jak3 complementary DNA. Thus, activation of Jak1 and Jak3 may be a key event in IL-2 signaling.