IL2
GeneName
IL2
Summary
IL2, also known as interleukin 2, is an 18kDa cytokine that is secreted into the extracellular space and plays a pivotal role in the immune system. It is primarily produced by activated T cells and is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of T cells, as well as the activation of natural killer cells. IL2 binds to the interleukin-2 receptor and is involved in various biological processes, including the adaptive immune response, cell adhesion, and cell-cell signaling. Its functions are mediated through multiple signalling pathways, including those involving STAT proteins and G protein-coupled receptors.
Importance
IL2 is relevant to: - T cell therapies and immunotherapy due to its role in T cell proliferation and activation - Autoimmune diseases as it regulates immune responses and inflammation - Cancer biology, particularly in the context of tumour immunity and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors - Understanding lymphocyte dynamics and the mechanisms of immune regulation
Top Products
For researchers investigating IL2, we highly recommend the top-selling recombinant antibody, Anti-IL-2 antibody [EPR2780] (ab92381). This well-cited product has garnered 22 citations, reflecting its reliability and trust within the scientific community. It has been validated for use in Western blotting (WB) and immunocytochemistry (ICC), making it a versatile choice for various experimental needs. The recombinant nature of this antibody ensures batch-to-batch consistency, which is essential for reproducible results in your research. The Anti-IL-2 antibody [EPR2780] - Low endotoxin, Azide free (ab246689) is an excellent option for researchers looking to study IL-2 with minimal interference from contaminants.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that IL2 is being studied in the context of prostate cancer and human LLABCs, with applications in both Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. This suggests a focus on the role of IL2 in cancer biology and its potential implications in therapeutic strategies.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Cytokine produced by activated CD4-positive helper T-cells and to a lesser extend activated CD8-positive T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells that plays pivotal roles in the immune response and tolerance (PubMed:6438535). Binds to a receptor complex composed of either the high-affinity trimeric IL-2R (IL2RA/CD25, IL2RB/CD122 and IL2RG/CD132) or the low-affinity dimeric IL-2R (IL2RB and IL2RG) (PubMed:16293754, PubMed:16477002). Interaction with the receptor leads to oligomerization and conformation changes in the IL-2R subunits resulting in downstream signaling starting with phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK3 (PubMed:7973659). In turn, JAK1 and JAK3 phosphorylate the receptor to form a docking site leading to the phosphorylation of several substrates including STAT5 (PubMed:8580378). This process leads to activation of several pathways including STAT, phosphoinositide-3-kinase/PI3K and mitogen-activated protein kinase/MAPK pathways (PubMed:25142963). Functions as a T-cell growth factor and can increase NK-cell cytolytic activity as well (PubMed:6608729). Promotes strong proliferation of activated B-cells and subsequently immunoglobulin production (PubMed:6438535). Plays a pivotal role in regulating the adaptive immune system by controlling the survival and proliferation of regulatory T-cells, which are required for the maintenance of immune tolerance. Moreover, participates in the differentiation and homeostasis of effector T-cell subsets, including Th1, Th2, Th17 as well as memory CD8-positive T-cells.
Involvement in disease
A chromosomal aberration involving IL2 is found in a form of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Translocation t(4;16)(q26;p13) with involves TNFRSF17.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the IL-2 family.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Interleukin-2, IL-2, T-cell growth factor, TCGF, IL2
Database links
swissprot:P60568 entrezGene:3558 omim:147680
Other research areas
- Immuno-oncology