We have recently characterized the cytokine-mediated regulation of autophagy in effector CD4+ T cells [3]. Cytokines that signal through the common γ-chain receptor, including
IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, and IL-15, activate autophagy in a JAK-mediated manner innaïve and
effector CD4+ T cells [3]. Given the important role of IL-2 signaling in the regulation of T cell function [94], it is possible that some of the IL-2-mediated effects might be achieved in part through the induction of autophagy.