Interleukin-2 receptor (trimeric) (IL-2R)

The trimeric Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) is a high-affinity heterotrimeric complex consisting of the IL-2Rα (CD25), IL-2Rβ (CD122), and IL-2Rγ (CD132) subunits (Source: UniProt P01589, P14784, P31785). It is primarily expressed on activated T-cells and regulatory T-cells, playing a pivotal role in the immune response by mediating the effects of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) on cell proliferation and survival (Source: StatPearls, Interleukin 2). Upon IL-2 binding, the receptor triggers intracellular signaling through the JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways (Source: PubMed, PMID: 22391154). In clinical practice, the trimeric IL-2R is a critical target for both immunosuppression and immunostimulation. In oncology, the receptor is targeted to treat T-cell leukemias and lymphomas, while in transplantation, CD25-specific antibodies like basiliximab are used to prevent acute organ rejection (Source: FDA, Basiliximab Label). Therapeutic modulation of the trimeric IL-2R remains a challenge due to the risk of capillary leak syndrome associated with high-dose IL-2 agonists and the potential for broad immunosuppression or unintended autoimmune reactions when using antagonists (Source: PubMed, PMID: 28636062).

Other names

High-affinity interleukin-2 receptorIL-2 receptor alpha/beta/gamma complexCD25/CD122/CD132 complexIL2R-trimer

Drugs targeting the trimeric Interleukin-2 receptor function through several mechanisms: monoclonal antibodies (e.g., basiliximab) act as competitive antagonists by binding to the CD25 subunit to block IL-2 mediated T-cell activation (Source: PubChem, CID: 135314831); recombinant IL-2 (e.g., aldesleukin) acts as an agonist to stimulate immune responses (Source: FDA, Aldesleukin Label); and immunotoxins (e.g., denileukin diftitox) deliver cytotoxic payloads specifically to CD25-expressing cells (Source: PubMed, PMID: 11511166).