Interleukin-2 in the development and control of inflammatory disease

Immunol Rev. 2008 Dec:226:19-28. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065X.2008.00697.x.

Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has multiple, sometimes opposing, functions during an inflammatory response. It is a potent inducer of T-cell proliferation and T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 effector T-cell differentiation and provides T cells with a long-lasting competitive advantage resulting in the optimal survival and function of memory cells. In a regulatory role, IL-2 is important for the development, survival, and function of regulatory T cells, it enhances Fas-mediated activation-induced cell death, and it inhibits the development of inflammatory Th17 cells. Thus, in its dual and contrasting functions, IL-2 contributes to both the induction and the termination of inflammatory immune responses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Interleukin-2 / deficiency
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / deficiency
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2