Intelectin-2 (ITLN2)

Intelectin-2 (ITLN2) is a calcium-dependent, multimeric, secreted lectin protein that is highly and selectively expressed in the secretory granules of Paneth cells in the human small intestine[1][2]. ITLN2 is structurally distinct from its closely related paralog ITLN1, with notable differences in its amino- and carbohydrate-binding domains which may confer altered glycan specificity compared to ITLN1[2]. Its biological role appears closely linked to innate mucosal immunity, possibly participating in the recognition and response to microbial carbohydrate antigens in the intestinal lumen. Reduced expression of ITLN2 is observed in ileal Crohn's disease, where it may serve as a biomarker of Paneth cell loss or dysfunction, while in ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn's disease, metaplastic Paneth cells in the colon can aberrantly express ITLN2[1][2]. The broader function, clinical targeting potential, and drug interactions for ITLN2 remain unclear at this time, and no drugs are known to clinically target this protein[1][2][3].

Other names

Intelectin-2ITLN2UNQ2789/PRO7179HL-2Endothelial lectin HL-2HL2intelectin-2endothelial lectin HL-2