The sequence of activation of the components of the cytokine network subsequent to in vivo application of different dosages of IL-2 is still poorly understood. Although side effects of IL-2 therapy are dose dependent, the dose-response relationship for induction of potentially beneficial or harmful cytokine genes still remains to be studied. We examined the patterns of cytokine gene expression after treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with various doses of IL-2 in a phase 1 trial. Total RNAs were isolated from PBMC harvested at various time points after s.c. injection of natural IL-2 ranging from 30,000 to 1,000,000 U. Dose-dependent effects on mRNA expression of IL-2, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were assessed using Northern blotting and slot blotting techniques. A single application of 30,000 U nIL-2 induced selective and long-lasting expression of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and GM-CSF genes, which was not accompanied by accumulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNAs. Larger dosages of IL-2 induced activation of monokine genes and were associated with systemic side effects. mRNA levels of the different cytokines related to biologic activity and correlated with expression of specific proteins and cellular parameters: IL-2 mRNA with soluble IL-2R serum levels and induction of lymphopenia, GM-CSF mRNA with induction of neutrophilia, and IL-6 mRNA with c-reactive protein serum concentrations. Taken together these data indicate unexpected immunoregulatory activities of very low and nontoxic dosages of IL-2 in vivo.