Interleukin 2

Also known as:  IL-2;  T-Cell Growth Factor;  T-Cell Growth Factor-1

Interleukin 2 is a type of Interleukin manufactured by and released from the body's Helper T-Cells and Suppressor T-Cells.

Immune System

 Interleukin 2 stimulates the proliferation of activated B-Lymphocytes.

 Interleukin 2 stimulates the proliferation of T-Lymphocytes.

 Interleukin 2 stimulates the conversion (activation) of T-Lymphocytes to NK Lymphocytes.  ^[1]

 Interleukin 2 enables the body's T-Lymphocytes to kill Cancer cells (T-Lymphocytes do not normally have this ability) - this effect is achieved through Interleukin-2 stimulating the production of endogenous Melatonin:

 Cancer - Breast patients exhibit low Interleukin-2 levels.

 Cancer - Colon patients exhibit low Interleukin-2 levels.

 Exogenous (genetically engineered) Interleukin 2 enhances the ability of cells of the Immune System to mount a defense against Endometrial Cancer.

 Lung Cancer patients exhibit low Interleukin-2 levels.

 Prostate Cancer patients exhibit low Interleukin-2 levels.

 Stomach Cancer patients exhibit low Interleukin-2 levels.

 Interleukin 2 can program Cells that are infected by some types of Viruses to self destruct (thereby interfering with the ability of the Virus to replicate):

 The body’s production of Interleukin 2 declines in tandem with the progression of the HIV virus towards full-blown Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

 Interleukin 2 suppresses the Myxovirus Influenzae Viruses that cause Influenza.

Immune System

 Recombinant (exogenous) Interleukin 2 (rIL-2) is sometimes used in the treatment of Cancer.

Enzymes

 Interleukin 2 may activate S-Adenosylmethionine Synthetase (SAMe Synthetase) in T-Lymphocytes (SAM Synthetase plays a role in preventing Liver Cancer).  ^[2]