T-cell growth factor (TCGF), Interleukin-2, Lymphokine, IL-2.
T-cell growth factor (TCGF), Interleukin-2, Lymphokine, IL-2.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses. It is primarily produced by activated T cells and is essential for the growth, proliferation, and differentiation of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages. The mouse anti-human IL-2 antibody is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets human IL-2, making it a valuable tool in immunological research and therapeutic applications.
IL-2 was first discovered in the 1970s as a T cell growth factor. Its discovery marked a significant milestone in immunology, as it provided insights into the mechanisms of T cell proliferation and the regulation of immune responses. IL-2 is crucial for the maintenance of immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases. It also plays a role in the activation and expansion of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, which are essential for the body’s defense against infections and cancer.
IL-2 is a glycoprotein composed of 133 amino acids. It exerts its biological effects by binding to the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), which is expressed on the surface of immune cells. The IL-2R is a heterotrimeric complex consisting of three subunits: IL-2Rα (CD25), IL-2Rβ (CD122), and IL-2Rγ (CD132). The binding of IL-2 to its receptor triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation.
Recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2), also known as aldesleukin, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. However, its clinical use is limited by its short half-life and the activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which can suppress anti-tumor immune responses. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed modified versions of IL-2 with improved pharmacokinetic properties and selective activation of effector immune cells .
The mouse anti-human IL-2 antibody is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to human IL-2. It is produced by immunizing mice with human IL-2 and subsequently isolating and cloning the antibody-producing B cells. This antibody is widely used in research to study the role of IL-2 in immune responses and to develop IL-2-based therapies. It can be used in various applications, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), flow cytometry, and neutralization assays.
Recent advancements in IL-2 research have focused on engineering IL-2 variants with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity. For example, MDNA11 is a long-acting IL-2 superkine that has been engineered to selectively activate anti-cancer immune cells while minimizing the activation of Tregs . This modified IL-2 has shown promising results in preclinical studies, demonstrating potent anti-tumor activity and a favorable safety profile.