Description

Human Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a compact cytokine with a molecular weight of 15.4 kDa, consisting of 133 amino acids arranged in a four-alpha-helix bundle structure. Initially recognized as a T-cell growth factor, IL-2 plays a crucial role in immune system regulation. It is predominantly produced by activated CD4+ T cells, although CD8+ T cells and other immune cells can also produce it under specific conditions. Secreted in response to antigenic stimulation, IL-2 serves as a key mediator in both innate and adaptive immunity.

IL-2 primarily functions by binding to the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), a trimeric complex comprising the α (CD25), β (CD122), and γ (CD132) subunits, triggering key signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and MAPK/ERK. This interaction promotes the proliferation and differentiation of T cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells. These processes help balance immune activation and tolerance, enhancing immune responses while preventing autoimmunity.

Key Features

1. Immune Regulation: IL-2 is central to immune regulation, driving the proliferation, differentiation, and function of T cells, B cells, and NK cells.
2. Research Applications: IL-2 is widely used in studies focused on immune system modulation and signaling pathways.
3. Clinical Applications: IL-2 is critical in immunotherapies for activating and expanding T cells and NK cells to target cancer cells, treating autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and type 1 diabetes, and promoting immune tolerance in transplantation.

Sequence

Theoretical pI/Mw:

7.05 / 15418.01