Interleukin-2 receptor subunit beta and Interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma (IL-2Rβ (for the beta subunit), IL-2Rγ (for the gamma subunit). Common abbreviations also include CD122 (beta) and CD132 (gamma))

Interleukin-2 receptor subunit beta (CD122) and interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma (common gamma chain, CD132) are integral membrane proteins that form two of the three essential components of the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor complex, alongside the alpha subunit (CD25)[1][3][4]. The functional IL-2 receptor is necessary for T cell proliferation, survival, and immune regulation. The gamma subunit (CD132) is shared by the receptors for multiple cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, IL-21), making it a critical component of lymphocyte development and function[3][4]. Upon ligand binding, the beta and gamma subunits transduce intracellular signals primarily through the JAK1/JAK3-STAT pathway, orchestrating gene expression programs involved in immune response and cell proliferation[3][4]. Dysfunction or therapeutic targeting of these subunits has implications in cancer, autoimmunity, transplantation, and immunodeficiency.

Other names

CD122IL2RBP70-75IL15RBCD132IL2RGcommon gamma chain (γc)cytokine receptor common subunit gamma

Blockade of subunit assembly inhibits T cell activation/proliferation and immune responses (antibody drugs) - Recombinant IL-2 or agonists enhance immune activation through receptor signaling - JAK inhibitors prevent signal transduction from the activated beta/gamma subunit