Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is predominantly produced by activated T cells. IL-2 promotes the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of antigen-activated T cells and NK cells. After antigen stimulation, the cytokine also promotes the differentiation of T cells into effector and memory T cells. Therefore IL-2 plays an important role in the body's response to infection. IL-2 is also key to tolerance, as it promotes the differentiation of certain immature T cells into regulatory T cells in the thymus, ultimately preventing autoimmune diseases.
| Alternative analyte names: | Interleukin-2, Interleukin 2, IL-2, IL2, T cell growth factor |
| Cell types: | T cell, Th1, Th2, Tfh, Th17 |
| Products: | Click here to see our portfolio of IL-2 products. |