Rat Interleukin 2 Receptor Beta (IL2RB) Protein

Background

IL2RB, or interleukin-2 receptor beta subunit, is a crucial component of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor complex. The IL-2 receptor is vital for T cell activation, proliferation, and survival and is central to immune responses. IL2RB, specifically, is essential for transmitting signals that control the growth, differentiation, and survival of T cells. The IL-2 receptor complex consists of three subunits: the IL-2 receptor alpha (IL2RA or CD25), IL-2 receptor beta (IL2RB or CD122), and IL-2 receptor gamma (IL2RG or CD132). Together, these subunits form a high-affinity receptor for IL-2 that is primarily expressed on activated T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and other immune cell types. IL2RB, encoded by the IL2RB gene on chromosome 22q12.3, is a key signaling subunit. It binds IL-2 with intermediate affinity independently but, when combined with IL2RG, forms the high-affinity IL-2 receptor that effectively transmits intracellular signals upon IL-2 binding. IL2RB plays a significant role in immune homeostasis and regulation, influencing T cell differentiation, NK cell development, and peripheral tolerance. Dysregulation of IL2RB expression or function is linked to various immune disorders, including autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and certain cancers.