Medical Definition of Interleukin-2

1. A hormone-like substance released by stimulated T lymphocytes, causes activation and differentiation of other T lymphocytes independently of antigen. A type of interleukin, a chemical messenger, a substance that can improve the body's response to disease. It stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. It is secreted by Thl CD4 cells to stimulate CD8 cytotoxic T-1yrnphocytes. Interleukin 2 also increases the proliferation and maturation of the CD4 cells themselves. During HIV infection, Interleukin-2 production gradually declines. Use of interleukin 2 therapy is under study as a way to raise CD4 cell counts and restore immune function. Acronym: IL-2 (12 Dec 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Interleukin-2

interlegislative
interlend
interlending
interlends
interlent
interleukin
interleukin-1
interleukin-10
interleukin-11
interleukin-12
interleukin-13
interleukin-14
interleukin-15
interleukin-16
interleukin-1 converting enzyme
interleukin-2 (current term)
interleukin-3
interleukin-4
interleukin-5
interleukin-6
interleukin-7
interleukin-8
interleukin-9
interleukine
interleukins
interlevel
interlexeme
interlexemic
interlexical
interlibrary

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