INTERLEUKIN II Meaning and
Definition
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Interleukin II (IL-2) is a cytokine, which is a small protein molecule involved in various immune responses and communication between cells of the immune system. It is part of the larger family of interleukins, which are signaling molecules that regulate the activities of white blood cells, particularly T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells.
IL-2 is primarily produced by T-helper cells upon activation by antigens or other immune cells. Its main function is to stimulate the growth and proliferation of T cells, promoting their differentiation into effector cells that attack and eliminate infected or abnormal cells. It plays a significant role in the regulation of immune responses, maintaining immune homeostasis, and promoting the production and activity of other immune cells.
Apart from its involvement in cell growth and differentiation, IL-2 also acts as an immune modulator, influencing the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. It can promote inflammation by enhancing the secretion of other cytokines and stimulating the immune system, but it can also inhibit excessive immune reactions to prevent tissue damage.
In therapeutic settings, IL-2 has been utilized in cancer immunotherapies, particularly in the treatment of melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. By stimulating the immune system, it helps boost anti-tumor responses, enhance immune surveillance, and potentially improve patient outcomes.
In summary, interleukin II is a cytokine produced by immune cells that plays a crucial role in immune system regulation, cell growth, differentiation, and the promotion of immune responses.
Common Misspellings for INTERLEUKIN II
- unterleukin ii
- jnterleukin ii
- knterleukin ii
- onterleukin ii
- 9nterleukin ii
- 8nterleukin ii
- ibterleukin ii
- imterleukin ii
- ijterleukin ii
- ihterleukin ii
- inrerleukin ii
- inferleukin ii
- ingerleukin ii
- inyerleukin ii
- in6erleukin ii
- in5erleukin ii
- intwrleukin ii
- intsrleukin ii
- intdrleukin ii
- intrrleukin ii
Etymology of INTERLEUKIN II
The word "interleukin II" is formed by combining two elements - "interleukin" and "II".
The term "interleukin" is derived from the Latin prefix "inter" meaning "between" and "leukos" meaning "white". It was coined in 1979 by immunologist Robert A. Good to describe a group of cytokines, which are small signaling molecules involved in immune responses. Interleukins are produced and released by white blood cells and act as communication signals between different immune cells.
The numeral "II" in "interleukin II" signifies that it is the second interleukin to be discovered by scientists.
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