IL2

Description

The IL2 (interleukin 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.

IL2, also known as IL-2, refers to Interleukin 2, a cytokine glycoprotein crucial for immune system function. It stimulates the growth of T cell lymphocytes and provides other biochemical signaling. IL-2 is also related to the IL-2 receptor, a protein that binds and responds to Interleukin 2.

IL-2 is a cytokine produced primarily by activated CD4-positive helper T-cells and, to a lesser extent, activated CD8-positive T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. It plays crucial roles in immune responses and maintaining immune tolerance. IL-2 binds to a receptor complex, which can be either a high-affinity trimeric form (IL2RA/CD25, IL2RB/CD122, IL2RG/CD132) or a low-affinity dimeric form (IL2RB and IL2RG). Upon binding, the receptor undergoes conformational changes and oligomerization, triggering downstream signaling pathways. This process starts with the phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK3 kinases, which then phosphorylate the receptor, creating a docking site for other molecules. This leads to the phosphorylation of substrates such as STAT5, activating various pathways, including STAT, PI3K, and MAPK. IL-2 acts as a T-cell growth factor, enhancing NK-cell cytolytic activity, and promoting B-cell proliferation and immunoglobulin production. It also plays a central role in regulating the adaptive immune system by controlling the survival and proliferation of regulatory T-cells, essential for immune tolerance. Additionally, it participates in the differentiation and homeostasis of various effector T-cell subsets, including Th1, Th2, Th17, and memory CD8-positive T-cells.

IL2 is also known as IL-2, TCGF, lymphokine.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing

Clinical Exome Sequencing