Interleukin-2 Receptor Gamma (IL-2Rγ), also known as the common gamma chain (γc), is a crucial component of the immune system. This protein is encoded by the IL2RG gene and is a part of several cytokine receptors, including those for interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-7 (IL-7), interleukin-9 (IL-9), interleukin-15 (IL-15), and interleukin-21 (IL-21) . The common gamma chain is essential for the proper functioning of these receptors, which play significant roles in the regulation and development of immune cells.
The IL-2Rγ is a transmembrane protein that spans the cell membrane, with one end outside the cell acting like an antenna to receive signals and the other end inside the cell to transmit these signals to the nucleus . This signaling is vital for the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
Recombinant IL-2Rγ is a laboratory-produced version of the natural protein. It is created using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the IL2RG gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. This allows for the large-scale production of the protein, which can then be purified and used for research or therapeutic purposes.
Mutations in the IL2RG gene can lead to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a condition characterized by a severely compromised immune system . Patients with SCID are highly susceptible to infections and require prompt medical intervention, often including bone marrow transplantation. Recombinant IL-2Rγ can be used in research to study the function of the protein and to develop potential therapies for conditions related to its dysfunction.
Recombinant IL-2Rγ is used in various research applications to understand its role in immune signaling and to develop new treatments for immune-related disorders. It is also being explored as a potential therapeutic agent in cancer immunotherapy, where it can help enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells .