The interleukin-2/interleukin-2 receptor system: structural, immunological, and clinical features

Int J Clin Lab Res. 1992;22(3):133-42. doi: 10.1007/BF02591413.

Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been the first and more extensively studied cytokine, in particular for its central role in the mechanisms of cell growth and differentiation. The function of IL-2 is mediated through specific receptors (IL-2R) present on the membrane of reacting cells. Using hybridoma and recombinant DNA technologies, both IL-2 and IL-2R have been biochemically characterized and purified and are available for in vitro and in vivo studies. The biological and clinical investigations on IL-2/IL-2R system have contributed to opening new avenues for the comprehension of phenomena that are critically important for biology, immunology and medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Disease
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / chemistry
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 / physiology*
  • Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / analysis
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / chemistry
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / physiology*
  • Reference Values

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2