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Interleukin-2

Synonym(s)

  • epidermal thymocyte activating factor
  • IL2
  • IL-2
  • interleukine 2
  • interleukin II
  • lymphocyte blastogenic factor
  • lymphocyte mitogenic factor
  • T-cell growth factor
  • T-cell stimulating factor
  • TCGF
  • thymocyte stimulating factor
  • TSF
  • T-stimulating factor

Definition(s)

A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). It stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system.

Definition from: Office of Rare DiseasesThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Institutes of Health

A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. These substances are normally produced by the body. Aldesleukin is IL-2 that is made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.

Definition from:  National Cancer Institute dictionaryThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: November 20, 2009