Interleukin-2, T-cell growth factor (TCGF), Lymphokine, IL-2.
Interleukin-2, T-cell growth factor (TCGF), Lymphokine, IL-2.
Interleukin-2 was the first interleukin molecule to be discovered. It was purified to homogeneity by immunoaffinity chromatography by Kendall Smith and his team at Dartmouth Medical School . The molecule was also the first cytokine shown to mediate its effects via a specific IL-2 receptor and was the first interleukin to be cloned and expressed from a complementary DNA (cDNA) library .
The recombinant mouse IL-2 protein is typically expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and consists of 150 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of approximately 17.4 kDa . It is often supplied in a lyophilized form to ensure stability and ease of storage .
IL-2 is best known for its potent stimulatory activity for antigen-activated T cells. It is expressed by various cell types, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, gamma delta T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and eosinophils . Upon binding to its receptor, which consists of CD25, CD122, and CD132, IL-2 activates several signaling pathways, including JAK3-, STAT5-, and AKT-dependent pathways, leading to cellular proliferation and survival .
IL-2 also promotes the peripheral development of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are essential for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases . Additionally, IL-2 is involved in the activation and proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells .
Recombinant mouse IL-2 is widely used in research to study immune responses and to develop immunotherapies. It is used in cell proliferation assays, where its activity is measured by its ability to stimulate the proliferation of CTLL-2 mouse cytotoxic T cells . The recombinant protein is also used in functional ELISA assays to study its binding to IL-2 receptors .
Recombinant mouse IL-2 is typically lyophilized from a sterile solution containing various stabilizers such as trehalose, mannitol, and Tween-80 . It is stable for up to twelve months when stored at -20°C to -80°C under sterile conditions . It is recommended to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain its activity .