T-cell growth factor (TCGF), Interleukin-2, Lymphokine, IL-2, IL2.
T-cell growth factor (TCGF), Interleukin-2, Lymphokine, IL-2, IL2.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a type of cytokine signaling molecule in the immune system. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of white blood cells, which are essential for the immune response. The recombinant form of IL-2, tagged with a histidine (His) tag, is widely used in research and therapeutic applications.
Recombinant human IL-2 is typically produced using various expression systems, such as HEK293 cells or E. coli . The His tag, usually consisting of six histidine residues, is added to the protein to facilitate purification through affinity chromatography. This tag allows the protein to bind to nickel or cobalt ions, making it easier to isolate the recombinant IL-2 from other cellular proteins .
IL-2 is produced by activated T-cells in response to antigenic or mitogenic stimulation . It is essential for T-cell proliferation and other activities crucial to the regulation of the immune response. IL-2 stimulates the growth and differentiation of various immune cells, including B-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, lymphokine-activated killer cells, monocytes, macrophages, and oligodendrocytes .
IL-2 exerts its effects by binding to the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) on the surface of target cells. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways, including the JAK-STAT, PI3K, and MAPK pathways . These pathways lead to the activation and proliferation of immune cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
Recombinant human IL-2 (His tag) is used in various research and clinical applications. It is employed in cell culture studies to investigate the role of IL-2 in immune cell regulation. Additionally, IL-2 has therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. The His tag facilitates the purification and detection of IL-2 in these applications, making it a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians .