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Interleukin 2: from immunostimulation to immunoregulation and back again
Author(s) -
Bachmann Martin F,
Oxenius Annette
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1038/sj.embor.7401099
Subject(s) - immune system , cytokine , biology , function (biology) , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology
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.