Description
Storage
Human IL-2 Recombinant Protein is supplied as lyophilized material that is very stable at -20°C. It is recommended to reconstitute with 10 mM HCl at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml which can be further diluted in aqueous solutions as needed. Addition of a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is recommended for long-term storage. Once in solution, store at 4°C and use within 1 month, or store at -20ºC to -80ºC and use within 3 months to prevent loss of potency. Aliquot to avoid multiple freeze/thaw cycles if storing reconstituted material at -20ºC to -80ºC.
Source / Purification
Recombinant human IL-2 was expressed in  and is supplied in a lyophilized form.
Background
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a T cell stimulatory cytokine best known for inducing T cell proliferation and NK cell proliferation and activation (1,2). IL-2 also promotes peripheral development of Treg cells (4,5). Conversely, IL-2 is involved in activation-induced cell death (AICD) that is observed post T cell expansion by increasing levels of Fas on CD4 T cells (3). The effects of IL-2 are mediated through a trimeric receptor complex consisting of IL-2Rα, IL-2Rβ, and the common gamma chain, γc (1,2). IL-2 Rα binds exclusively to IL-2 with low affinity and increases binding affinity of the whole receptor complex including IL-2Rβ and γc subunits. IL-2Rβ is also used by IL-15 (1,2). The common γc is used by other cytokines including IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-21 (1,2). Binding of IL-2 initiates signaling cascades involving Jak1, Jak3, Stat5, and the PI3K/Akt pathways (1,2).
