Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
Interleukin-2 and autoimmune disease occurrence and therapy
Background:
Interleukin-2(IL-2), also called T-cell growth factor and primarily produced by antigen-activated T cells, is a kind of lymphoid factor with immunoregulatory effect which can promote T-cell-dependent immune responses. IL-2 was first used as a therapeutic approach to boost immune responses in patients with invasive cancer or advanced HIV disease.
Objectives:
The purpose of the review is to refer the mechanism of autoimmune disease caused by IL-2 deletion and the application of IL-2 in curing autoimmune disease.
State Of The Art:
IL-2 signal plays a key role in promoting the development, homeostasis and the function of the regulatory T cells. The deletion of IL-2 in vivo causes T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Now it is being considered as a kind of medicine inhibiting immune responses.
Perspectives:
Further studies with controlled clinical trials will be needed to prove the potential of IL-2 as a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions:
The decreased production of IL-2 in patients with autoimmune disease leads to immune defects, such as decreased production of Treg cells, decreased AICD and cytotoxicity. Combination therapy based on IL-2 may prove to be beneficial in curing the immunological disorders.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Tumor Immunotherapy
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

