Interleukin-2 messenger RNA (IL2 mRNA)

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) serves as the genetic template for the synthesis of the IL-2 protein, a critical cytokine in the immune system (UniProt: P60568). IL-2 is primarily produced by activated T-cells and is essential for the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of T-lymphocytes, including effector T-cells and regulatory T-cells (PubMed: 29942088). In a therapeutic context, IL-2 mRNA is being developed as a modality for cancer immunotherapy, where it is delivered via lipid nanoparticles to the tumor microenvironment or systemic circulation (BioNTech). Once inside host cells, the mRNA is translated into functional IL-2 protein, which then stimulates an anti-tumor immune response by activating cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells (PubMed: 31110347). This approach aims to overcome the short half-life and systemic toxicity, such as vascular leak syndrome, associated with recombinant IL-2 protein administration (StatPearls: NBK519495). Clinical applications primarily focus on solid tumors, such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, where enhancing the immune response is a key strategy (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03871348).

Other names

IL-2 mRNAT-cell growth factor mRNATCGF mRNAAldesleukin mRNA

Translation into functional Interleukin-2 protein which subsequently activates the IL-2 receptor complex (IL-2Rα/β/γ) on immune cells to stimulate anti-tumor activity or immune regulation (PubMed: 31110347).