IL-2R antibodies bind to the α-subunit (CD25) of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor expressed on activated T cells . The IL-2 receptor comprises three subunits:
CD25 (α): Low-affinity binding site, upregulated on activated T cells.
CD122 (β) and CD132 (γ): Shared with other cytokine receptors, enabling signal transduction .
By blocking CD25, these antibodies prevent IL-2 from initiating downstream signaling, thereby suppressing T-cell proliferation .
IL-2R antibodies function through competitive inhibition:
This selective action minimizes broad immunosuppression, reducing infection risks compared to traditional agents like calcineurin inhibitors .
Renal transplantation: Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (1,858 patients) showed IL-2R antibodies reduced acute rejection by 48% (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.42–0.63) .
Pediatric use: Basiliximab and daclizumab are safe in children, with no increased malignancy risk .
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Low-dose IL-2 expanded Tregs but faced mixed clinical outcomes in trials .
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS): A 2022 RCT (n=60) reported 66.7% of patients achieved ≥3-point ESSDAI improvement vs. 26.7% with placebo (P=0.004) .
Endpoint | IL-2R Antibody Group | Control Group | Odds Ratio (95% CI) |
---|---|---|---|
Acute rejection (6 months) | 25.7% | 39.6% | 0.51 (0.42–0.63) |
Graft loss (1 year) | 12.1% | 14.5% | 0.78 (0.58–1.04) |
Mortality (1 year) | 3.2% | 4.1% | 0.75 (0.46–1.23) |
No significant differences in infections (OR 0.97) or cytomegalovirus reactivation (OR 0.81) .
SAR444336: A CD25-biased IL-2 variant with extended half-life and Treg selectivity .
UFKA-20 fusion: Covalently linked IL-2/antibody complex reduces off-target activation, showing efficacy in ulcerative colitis and SLE models .
Steroid-refractory GVHD: Low-dose IL-2 achieved 53.3% response rates in chronic GVHD .
Ulcerative colitis: IL-2/antibody fusions suppressed humoral immunity and disease progression in preclinical models .
The Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), also known as CD25, is a critical component of the immune system. It plays a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses by mediating the effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine that promotes the growth, differentiation, and survival of T cells. The IL-2 receptor is composed of three subunits: alpha (IL-2Rα or CD25), beta (IL-2Rβ), and the common gamma chain (IL-2Rγ). The high-affinity IL-2 receptor is formed by the assembly of these three subunits .
CD25, the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor, is a 55 kDa protein that binds IL-2 with low affinity on its own. However, when combined with the beta and gamma chains, it forms a high-affinity receptor complex. This receptor complex is essential for the IL-2-mediated signaling pathways that regulate T cell proliferation and differentiation .
CD25 is constitutively expressed at high levels on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and transiently on activated effector T cells (Teff). The expression of CD25 is a hallmark of Treg cells, which play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases .
The rat anti-mouse CD25 antibody is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the CD25 molecule on mouse cells. This antibody is commonly used in immunological research to study the expression and function of CD25 in various mouse models. It is particularly useful in flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and other immunoassays to identify and isolate CD25-expressing cells .
One of the widely used clones of rat anti-mouse CD25 antibody is PC61. This clone has been extensively characterized and is known for its high specificity and affinity for mouse CD25. The PC61 antibody can be conjugated to various fluorochromes or enzymes to facilitate its detection in different experimental setups .
The rat anti-mouse CD25 antibody has several important applications in immunological research: