Recombinant human IL2

Product Information:

Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a 15.5-kDa variably glycosylated globular protein, was first described as T cell growth factor. IL-2 is mainly produced by CD4+ T lymphocytes (naive, memory, and T helper [Th] 1) following antigenic stimulation, by type 2 and 3 innate lymphoid cells in the small intestine, and to a lesser extent by activated CD8+ T cells, B cells, and by other innate immune entities such as natural killer (NK) and NKT lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes, or mast cells. Once secreted, IL-2 is consumed in an autocrine/paracrine manner by neighboring cells that harbor its receptor, IL-2R. The latter consists of a hetero-complex of up to three subunits: α, β, and γ, also known as CD25, CD122, and CD132, respectively. The γ subunit is ubiquitously expressed on most hematopoietic cells. It is also referred to as the “common” chain (labeled "γc”), as it is shared with the receptors for IL-4, -7, -9, -15, and -21. Binding of IL-2 to IL-2R activates JAK1/3. In turn, these kinases activate the PI3Ks/PIP3/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K and Ras / Raf / MAP2K1/2 / ERK1/2 signaling cascades and phosphorylate STAT5 to modulate the activity and de novo expression of multiple downstream regulators involved in protein synthesis, autophagy, cell metabolism, survival, proliferation, and differentiation.

IL-2 is a pleiotropic cytokine with immunostimulatory or immunoinhibitory activity depending on the target cell. Its effects on nonhematopoietic and innate immune cells remain poorly deciphered. Above all, IL-2 stands out as a well-established regulator of T cell development and homeostasis.

Figure. IL-2-IL-2R Signal Transduction and Regulation of T Cell Activity

References:

[1] Pol JG, et al. 2020. J Exp Med. 217(1: e20191247.

[2] Ross SH, Cantrell DA. 2018. Annu Rev Immunol. 36:411-433.