Interleukin 2 (
IL-2 ) is a monomeric
glycoprotein that is primarily produced by activated CD4+
T cells , CD8+
T cells and
dendritic cells . It is characterized as a proinflammatory
cytokine that is secreted by
Th1 cells .
IL-2 plays a central
role in the activation of
regulatory T cells to produce the
cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) and interferon gamma (IFN-?).
IL-2 may also enhance the cytolytic activity of
natural killer cells , thereby ensuring their significance in the control of the
immune response , and effectively participate in the
pathogenesis of several pathological conditions, such as
cancer and metabolic, infectious, autoimmune and inflammatory
diseases . We emphasize the importance of studies of
IL-2 and discuss perspectives resulting from our increasing
understanding of
genetic diversity and its
role in the
immune response (AU)