Revisiting the role of IL-2 in autoimmunity

Eur J Immunol. 2010 Jun;40(6):1538-40. doi: 10.1002/eji.201040617.

Abstract

IL-2 was discovered as a T-cell growth factor that promoted T-cell-dependent immune responses; however, more recent studies suggest that the essential role of IL-2 is to maintain functional Treg and thus control immune responses. These results are leading to new ideas about the potential of IL-2 as a therapeutic strategy in autoimmune diseases. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a study further examines the role of IL-2 in immune regulation and shows for the first time that IL-2 complexes can ameliorate autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity. This commentary examines the current findings in relation to what we already know about IL-2 complexes.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-2