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INTERLEUKIN 2 RECEPTOR
ALPHA (IL-2Rα)
GENE EXPRESSION

OVERVIEW EXPLANATION

IL-2rα (also called CD25) is a receptor protein that binds to the IL-2 signalling protein. This receptor is found mainly on the suppressor T cells, a type of Immune Cell that limits the activity of several “key players” in the immune arsenal.

The assay for IL-2rα can provide critical information about the current immune function. Normal
IL-2rα levels correlate with the presence of active suppressor T cells, an essential constituent of a healthy Immune System. However, high quantities of IL-2rα over the long-term can decrease the body’s ability to respond effectively to infectious invaders. Low quantities of IL-2rα, on the other hand, may disturb the overall balance of the Immune System, which, in turn, can result in a wide range of medical conditions.

SPECIAL NOTE :- Also see CD25 Gene Expression.

DETAILED EXPLANATION

IL-2ra is a light chain of the interleukin 2 receptor which is mainly located on the surface of the regulatory immunological T cells (suppressor T cells). These cells limit the quantity of activity of the Th1, the Th2 and the Th17 immunological cells. The quantity of these receptors is significantly increased when these types of immunological cells are activated. The regulatory T cells control the activity of the Th1, the Th2 and the Th17 immunological cells. Therefore the regulatory T cells are the key element of the Immune System because they provide its Homeostasis (i.e. a normal balanced state). This assay is able to obtain information relating to the state of the regulatory T (suppressor) type cells of the immunological activity and the necessity to activate this type of immune response to control any damaging excessive immuno-stimulation.

High quantities of IL-2rα indicate the presence of active regulatory T cells (suppressor T cells). In the long-term this can result in a decreased ability of the Immune System to generate an effective response against any invading infections species. Low quantities of IL-2rα indicate a low population of active regulatory T cells (suppressor T cells). In the long-term this can lead to impairment of the immunological Homeostasis and a dominance of one of the types of the immunological response. A wide range of pathological conditions are associated with the low activity of the regulatory T cells.

APPLICATION

This assay will provide extremely valuable and accurate information relating to the pathological conditions :-

- Cancer, Inflammation and infections.
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