Recombinant human IL-2 protein (Qk089-CTG)

Product: Qk089-CTG Category:

Price range: £870.00 through £1,100.00

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a vital cytokine that regulates immune responses by promoting the growth and activation of T-cells, enhancing immune function, and maintaining immune tolerance for immune activation and suppression. In cell therapy development IL-2 is used in the expansion of CAR-T cells and other T cell therapies.

Qkine has optimized the IL-2 manufacture process to produce a highly bioactive protein with excellent lot-to-lot consistency for enhanced experimental reproducibility. Cell therapy grade IL-2 is a highly pure animal origin-free 15.5 kDa monomer.

Qkine cell therapy grade high purity animal origin-free proteins are manufactured as GMP grade equivalents in an ISO 9001:2015-certified facility, under ISO 20399:2022 standards with GMP compliance, defined quality criteria and documentation. 

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Price range: £870.00 through £1,100.00

1000µg will be despatched as 2 x 500µg

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Summary:

  • Highly pure human IL-2 protein (UniProt number: P60568)
  • 15.5 kDa (monomer)
  • Certified animal origin-free (AOF)

  • Cell and gene therapy grade

  • Manufactured in our ISO 9001:2015 facility in Cambridge, UK

  • Lot-to-lot consistency in bioactivity

  • Full traceability and documentation

  • Carrier protein-free, tag free

  • Expressed in E. coli

  • Lyophilized from acetonitrile, TFA

  • Resuspend in sterile-filtered water at >50 µg/ml, add carrier protein if desired, prepare single use aliquots and store frozen at -20 °C (short-term) or -80 °C (long-term).

Featured applications:

  • CAR-T cell therapy manufacturing

  • Cancer immunotherapy

  • Immune cell therapy expansion

Recombinant IL-2 activity was determined using a SRE luciferase reporter assay in transiently transfected HEK293 cells co-transfected with the IL-2 receptors (IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγ). Transfected cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-2 for 3 hours. Firefly activity was measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity.

The specific activity of recombinant human IL-2 is >5.0 x 106 units/mg, which is calibrated against the human IL-2 WHO standard (NIBSC code: 86/500).

Recombinant IL-2 migrates at approximately 15.5 kDa (monomer) in reduced (R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions. No contaminating protein bands are present. The purified recombinant protein (3 µg) was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptoethanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk089 lot #204686.

Further quality assays

  • Mass spectrometry: single species with expected mass

  • Purity >98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry

  • Recovery from stock vial:  >95%

  • Sterility tested and mycoplasma negative

  • Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below level of detection)

  • Residual host cell protein <10 ng/µg

  • Residual host cell DNA <10 ng/μg

  • N-terminal sequence analysis 

We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.  All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.

Qkine IL-2 was slightly less active compared to the WHO (NIBSC) standard IL-2. IL-2 activity was determined using a SRE luciferase reporter assay in transiently transfected HEK293 cells co-transfected with the IL-2 receptors (IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγ). Transfected cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-2 for 3 hours. Firefly activity was measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Qk089 #204686 EC50 = 0.86 ng/ml, WHO (NIBSC) EC50 = 0.37 ng/ml. 

Protein background

Interleukin-2 (IL-2/IL2) is a cytokine that plays a vital role in the immune system, particularly in T-cell development, growth, and activity. IL-2 is produced mainly by activated CD4+ T-cells in response to antigenic stimulation and is essential for both immune response amplification and immune regulation [1,2].

IL-2 is a single-chain glycoprotein composed of 133 amino acids with a molecular weight of 15.5 kDa. The IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) is a complex made up of three subunits: IL-2Rα (CD25), IL-2Rβ (CD122), and the common gamma chain (γc, CD132). When IL-2 binds to its receptor, it activates downstream signaling pathways like JAK-STAT and PI3K-AKT, promoting cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation [3].

IL-2 is critical for the expansion of effector T-cells, which are responsible for attacking and eliminating pathogens and cancer cells. It also plays a role in the development and maintenance of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which prevent autoimmune responses by keeping the immune system in check. IL-2 enhances the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and B-cells, contributing to overall immune defense [4].

IL-2 is used in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for treating metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, where it boosts the immune system’s ability to attack tumors. Low-dose IL-2 is being investigated for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and type 1 diabetes, where it can promote Treg expansion to restore immune balance. IL-2 has also been explored as a treatment for chronic infections like HIV and hepatitis C by enhancing immune cell recovery and function. Its role as an adjuvant in vaccines and its potential in organ transplantation to promote immune tolerance are also being actively studied [5].

Additional resources

FAQ

How is IL-2 used in cell culture?

IL-2 is utilized in cell culture to promote T-cell growth and proliferation, maintaining cell viability by preventing apoptosis. It aids in differentiating T-cell subsets, supports functional assays for cytokine production, and is used in co-culture systems with other immune cells to study immune interactions and responses effectively.

Is IL-2 a cytokine?

Yes, IL-2 is a cytokine. Cytokines are small proteins that help regulate the immune system, and IL-2 specifically plays a key role in the activation, growth, and proliferation of T-cells and other immune cells.

What does IL-2 bind to?

IL-2 primarily binds to the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), which has three subunits: alpha (CD25), beta (CD122), and gamma (CD132). This binding initiates signaling pathways such as JAK-STAT, MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways that promote T-cell growth, differentiation, and survival.

What does the IL-2 gene do?

The IL-2 gene encodes interleukin-2, a cytokine crucial for T-cell proliferation, activation, and survival, playing a key role in immune response and regulation.

What is IL-2?

IL-2 is a cytokine that regulates immune responses by promoting the growth and activation of T-cells, enhancing immune function, and maintaining immune tolerance for immune activation and suppression.

What is the function of the IL-2 receptor?

The IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) mediates interleukin-2 signaling, promoting T-cell proliferation, activation, and survival. It regulates immune responses, maintains immune homeostasis, and stimulates other immune cells, contributing to a balanced and effective adaptive immune response.

What is the IL-2 pathway?

The IL-2 pathway involves IL-2 binding to its receptor, activating JAK kinases, which phosphorylate STAT proteins. This triggers gene expression for T-cell proliferation and survival, while also activating MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways, enhancing overall immune response and regulation.

Where is IL-2 found?

IL-2 is found in the immune system, produced by activated CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, and natural killer cells, primarily within lymphoid tissues like lymph nodes and the spleen.

Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.

For use in manufacturing of cellular or gene therapy products. Not intended for in vivo applications.

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Recombinant human IL-2 protein (Qk089-CTG)Recombinant human IL-2 protein (Qk089-CTG)
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