Interleukin 2: from immunostimulation to immunoregulation and back again.
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) was one of the first cytokines to be discovered. However, the complex role of IL-2 and its receptor in the regulation of immune responses is only now emerging. This review explores the various signals triggered by IL-2 and discusses their translation into biological function. A model is outlined that accommodates the seemingly contradictory functions of IL-2, and explains how one cytokine can be an essential T-cell growth and differentiation factor and yet also be indispensable to maintain peripheral tolerance.
Cytos Biotechnology AG, Wagistrasse 25, 8952 Zürich-Schlieren, Switzerland. martin.bachmann@cytos.com
Martin F
MF
Bachmann
Annette
A
Oxenius
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007110:Immunity, Active / Q000276:immunology; D007114:Immunization; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D007376:Interleukin-2