Interleukin-2 receptor signaling: at the interface between tolerance and immunity.
Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) signaling regulates tolerance and immunity. Here, we review recent work concerning the structure, signaling, and function of the IL-2R, emphasizing the contribution of IL-2 for T cell-dependent activity in vivo. IL-2R signaling influences two discrete aspects of immune responses by CD8(+) T cells, terminal differentiation of effector cells in primary responses, and aspects of memory recall responses. IL-2 also delivers essential signals for thymic development of regulatory T (Treg) cells and later to promote their homeostasis and function. Each of these outcomes on T effector and Treg cells requires distinct amounts of IL-2R signaling, with low IL-2R signaling sufficient for many key aspects of Treg cells. Thus, tolerance is readily maintained and favored with limited IL-2.
Malek
Thomas R
TR
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, PO Box 01960, Miami, FL 33101, USA. tmalek@med.miami.edu
Castro
Iris
I
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007109:Immunity; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2