Rat Anti-Human IL-2 Antibody (S-5584)

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a pivotal cytokine primarily secreted by activated CD4+ T helper cells and, to a lesser extent, by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, playing a central role in the regulation of the immune system’s growth, differentiation, and homeostasis. Often referred to as T-cell growth factor, IL-2 exerts its biological effects by binding to a specific cell-surface receptor complex composed of three subunits: CD25 (IL-2Rα), CD122 (IL-2Rβ), and CD137 (IL-2Rγc), with the high-affinity trimeric receptor being crucial for robust signal transduction via the JAK-STAT pathway. This signaling cascade promotes the proliferation and survival of antigen-stimulated T cells, enhances the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells, and supports the development and maintenance of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are essential for preventing autoimmunity and maintaining peripheral tolerance. Due to its potent immunostimulatory properties, recombinant IL-2 has been clinically utilized as an immunotherapy agent for treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, although its therapeutic application is often limited by significant systemic toxicity, prompting ongoing research into engineered variants or targeted delivery systems that can selectively enhance anti-tumor immunity while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues.