Interleukin 2: from immunostimulation to immunoregulation and back again.

Journal article

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) was one of the first cytokines to be discovered. However, the complex role of IL-2 and its receptor in the regulation of immune responses is only now emerging. This review explores the various signals triggered by IL-2 and discusses their translation into biological function. A model is outlined that accommodates the seemingly contradictory functions of IL-2, and explains how one cytokine can be an essential T-cell growth and differentiation factor and yet also be indispensable to maintain peripheral tolerance.

Authors: Bachmann, M; Oxenius, A

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: EMBO reports
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 1142-1148
• Publication date: 2007-12-01
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7401099
• EISSN: 1469-3178
• ISSN: 1469-221X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Interleukin-2; Humans; T-Lymphocytes; Immunization; Immunity, Active; Animals; Models, Biological