Interleukin-2: inception, impact, and implications

Science. 1988 May 27;240(4856):1169-76. doi: 10.1126/science.3131876.

Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2), the first of a series of lymphocytotrophic hormones to be recognized and completely characterized, is pivotal for the generation and regulation of the immune response. A T lymphocyte product, IL-2 also stimulates T cells to undergo cell cycle progression via a finite number of interactions with its specific membrane receptors. Because T cell clonal proliferation after antigen challenge is obligatory for immune responsiveness and immune memory, the IL-2-T cell system has opened the way to a molecular understanding of phenomena that are fundamental to biology, immunology, and medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle
  • Interleukin-2 / physiology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Receptors, Immunologic / physiology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2