title: Interleukin 2: biology and biochemistry.
abstract: Since its discovery as a T-cell growth factor, interleukin 2 (IL-2) has attracted considerable scientific attention, not only as a useful reagent for the maintenance of large numbers of effector T lymphocytes but as a potentially potent immunoregulatory molecule, which could be of therapeutic usefulness in a number of clinical conditions. Outlined in this communication is a summary of the more salient biochemical features of murine and human IL-2, as well as the results of initial molecular biology experimentation aimed at the eventual production of IL-2 by recombinant DNA methodologies. These studies, together with those detailing the in vivo effectiveness of IL-2 therapy in a number of murine model situations, provide a current glimpse of future IL-2 aims and directions.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D007376:Interleukin-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger