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Interleukin 2
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an interleukin, a type of cytokine signaling molecule in the immune system. It is a 15.5–16 Dalton (unit), kDa protein that regulates the activities of white blood cells (leukocytes, often lymphocytes) that are responsible for immunity. IL-2 is part of the body's immune response, natural response to microbial infection, and in discriminating between foreign ("non-self") and "self". IL-2 mediates its effects by binding to IL-2 receptors, which are expressed by lymphocytes. The major sources of IL-2 are activated T helper cell, CD4+ T cells and activated CD8+ T cells, CD8+ T cells. IL-2 receptor IL-2 is a member of a cytokine family, each member of which has a Helix bundle#Four-helix bundles, four alpha helix bundle; the family also includes Interleukin-4, IL-4, Interleukin 7, IL-7, Interleukin 9, IL-9, Interleukin 15, IL-15 and Interleukin 21, IL-21. IL-2 signals through the IL-2 receptor, a complex consisting of three chains, termed alpha (IL ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Interleukin
Interleukins (ILs) are a group of cytokines (secreted proteins and signal molecules) that are expressed and secreted by white blood cells (leukocytes) as well as some other body cells. The human genome encodes more than 50 interleukins and related proteins. The function of the immune system primarily depends on interleukins, and rare deficiencies of a number of them have been described, all featuring autoimmune diseases or immune deficiency. The majority of interleukins are synthesized by CD4 helper T-lymphocyte, as well as through monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. They promote the development and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes, and hematopoietic cells. Interleukin receptors on astrocytes in the hippocampus are also known to be involved in the development of spatial memories in mice. History and name The name "interleukin" was chosen in 1979, to replace the various different names used by different research groups to designate interleukin 1 (lymphocyte a ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |