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Interleukin-2
Pronunciation
Definition 1
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. Interleukin-2 is made by a type of T lymphocyte. It increases the growth and activity of other T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, and affects the development of the immune system. Aldesleukin (interleukin-2 made in the laboratory) is being used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. Interleukin-2 is a type of cytokine. Also called IL-2. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
Encoded by human IL2 Gene, Interleukin-2 is a secreted cytokine important for proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. The receptor of this cytokine is a heterotrimeric protein complex whose gamma chain is also shared by interleukin 4 (IL4) and interleukin 7 (IL7). IL2 expression in mature thymocytes is monoallelic, which represents an unusual regulatory mode for controlling expression of a single gene. Targeted disruption of a similar gene in mice leads to ulcerative colitis-like disease, which suggests an essential role in the immune response to antigenic stimuli. (NCI Thesaurus/LocusLink)
Definition 3
A soluble substance elaborated by antigen- or mitogen-stimulated T-LYMPHOCYTES which induces DNA synthesis in naive lymphocytes. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)
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