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IL-2

protein
Also known as: interleukin-2

Quick Summary

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a protein that acts as a messenger between cells, playing a crucial role in the immune system. It is a type of cytokine, which are molecules that modulate cellular behavior.1

IL-2 is produced by stimulated helper T cells and is essential for the proliferation and maturation of immune cells, including T cells and B cells. It is particularly important in stimulating immune responses like inflammation. While initially thought to act only between leukocytes (white blood cells), it's now understood that interleukins interact with many cell types and are involved in various physiological functions. IL-2 is used experimentally in treating certain cancers.12

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