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Recombinant human IL-2 protein

QK089

Brand: Qkine

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a vital cytokine that regulates immune responses by promoting the growth and activation of T-cells, enhancing immune function, and maintaining immune tolerance for immune activation and suppression.

Qkine has optimised the IL-2 manufacture process to produce a highly bioactive protein with excellent lot-to-lot consistency for enhanced experimental reproducibility. Qkine IL-2 is a highly pure 15.5 kDa monomer, animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier-protein-free (CF).

Qkine 3-for-2 product campaign

Currency: 

Product name Catalog number Pack size Price Price (USD) Price (GBP) Price (EUR)
Recombinant human IL-2 protein, 50 µg QK089-0050 50 µg (select above) $ 160.00 £ 120.00 € 141.00
Recombinant human IL-2 protein, 100 µg QK089-0100 100 µg (select above) $ 220.00 £ 160.00 € 187.00
Recombinant human IL-2 protein, 500 µg QK089-0500 500 µg (select above) $ 620.00 £ 460.00 € 538.00
Recombinant human IL-2 protein, 1000 µg QK089-1000 1000 µg (select above) $ 920.00 £ 670.00 € 783.00

Note: prices shown do not include shipping and handling charges.

Qkine company name and logo are the property of Qkine Ltd. UK.

Alternative protein names
Interleukin-2, T-cell growth factor (TCGF)
Species reactivity

human

species similarity:
mouse – 56%
rat – 57%
porcine – 69%
bovine – 71%

Frequently used together with:

Summary

  • Highly pure human IL-2 protein (UniProt number: P60568)
  • >98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
  • Source: Expressed in E. coli
  • 15.5 kDa monomer
  • Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free
  • Manufactured in Cambridge, UK
  • Lyophilized from acetonitrile/TFA
  • Resuspend in milliQ water at >100 µg/ml, prepare single-use aliquots, add carrier protein if desired, and store frozen at -20°C or -80°C.
Handling and Storage FAQ

Featured applications

  • Activation of T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells 
  • Differentiation of T-cells 
  • Promotion of the expansion of effector T-cells 
  • Development and maintenance of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) 
  • Suppression of excessive immune responses to prevent autoimmunity 
  • Support of overall immune function 

Bioactivity

Bioactivity graph showing the EC50 of 102 pg/ml (6.7 pM) for Qkine recombinant IL-3

Recombinant IL-2 activity was determined using the Promega IL-2 Bioassay Kit (JA2201). Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-2 for 6 hours. Activity was measured using Bio-Glo™ Reagent and readings normalised to the maximum response. Data from Qk089 lot 204686. EC50 = 49 pg/ml (3.2 pM).

Purity

SDS-PAGE gel showing the high purity reduced and non-reduced forms of IL-3

Recombinant IL-2 migrates at approximately 15.5 kDa (monomer) in reduced (R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions. No contaminating protein bands are present. The purified recombinant protein (3 µg) was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptoethanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk089 lot #204686.

Further quality assays

  • Mass spectrometry, single species with the expected mass
  • Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below the level of detection)
  • Recovery from stock vial: >95%

Qkine IL-2 is as biologically active as the comparable alternative supplier protein

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) bioactivity graph, Qkine IL-2 activity is the same as the alternative supplier protein

IL-2 bioactivity was determined using the Promega IL-2 bioassay kit. Cells were stimulated with Qkine IL-2 (Qk089, green) and alternative supplier IL-2 (Supplier B, black). Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-2 for 6 hours. Data from Qk089 lot #204686.

Protein background

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that plays a vital role in the immune system, particularly in T-cell development, growth, and activity. IL-2 is produced mainly by activated CD4+ T-cells in response to antigenic stimulation and is essential for both immune response amplification and immune regulation [1,2].

IL-2 is a single-chain glycoprotein composed of 133 amino acids with a molecular weight of 15.5 kDa. The IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) is a complex made up of three subunits: IL-2Rα (CD25), IL-2Rβ (CD122), and the common gamma chain (γc, CD132). When IL-2 binds to its receptor, it activates downstream signaling pathways like JAK-STAT and PI3K-AKT, promoting cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation [3].

IL-2 is critical for the expansion of effector T-cells, which are responsible for attacking and eliminating pathogens and cancer cells. It also plays a role in the development and maintenance of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which prevent autoimmune responses by keeping the immune system in check. IL-2 enhances the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and B-cells, contributing to overall immune defense [4].

IL-2 is used in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for treating metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, where it boosts the immune system’s ability to attack tumors. Low-dose IL-2 is being investigated for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and type 1 diabetes, where it can promote Treg expansion to restore immune balance. IL-2 has also been explored as a treatment for chronic infections like HIV and hepatitis C by enhancing immune cell recovery and function. Its role as an adjuvant in vaccines and its potential in organ transplantation to promote immune tolerance are also being actively studied [5].

Background references

  1. Boyman, O. & Sprent, J. The role of interleukin-2 during homeostasis and activation of the immune system. Nat. Rev. Immunol. 12, 180-190 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nri3156
  2. Liao, W., Lin, J. X. & Leonard, W. J. Interleukin-2 at the crossroads of effector responses, tolerance, and immunotherapy. Immunity 38, 13-25 (2013). doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2013.01.004
  3. Arenas-Ramirez, N., Woytschak, J. & Boyman, O. Interleukin-2: Biology, design and application. Trends Immunol. 36, 763-777 (2015). doi: 10.1016/j.it.2015.10.003
  4. Spolski, R., Li, P. & Leonard, W. J. Biology and regulation of IL-2: from molecular mechanisms to human therapy. Nat. Rev. Immunol. 18, 648-659 (2018). doi: 10.1038/s41577-018-0046-y
  5. Ross, S. H. & Cantrell, D. A. Signaling and function of interleukin-2 in T lymphocytes. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 36, 411-433 (2018). doi: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-042617-053352