The dichotomous role of IL-2: tolerance versus immunity.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a well-known T-cell growth factor, which is traditionally implicated in the agonistic stimulation of immune responses. Recent work, however, has uncovered an unexpected function of this cytokine. In particular, IL-2 appears crucial to maintaining peripheral tolerance by supporting the survival and function of CD25+ CD4+ regulatory T cells. A recent study examining the role of IL-2 in the peripheral generation of regulatory T cells from apparently naïve T cells has gone some way to reconciling the seemingly opposing functions of this cytokine.
Fehérvari
Zoltán
Z
Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
Yamaguchi
Tomoyuki
T
Sakaguchi
Shimon
S
D000818:Animals; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D007376:Interleukin-2