Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a multifaceted cytokine belonging to the chemokine family. It's primarily produced by activated T cells and plays a crucial role in promoting growth, proliferation, and differentiation of lymphocytes. IL-2 has significant implications for the body's immune responses and combating viral infections. The sensitivity of different types of immune cells to IL-2 varies depending on the affinity receptors they express. IL-2 has several functions: it can activate T cells while stimulating cytokine production; it encourages NK cell proliferation, enhances their killing activity, and promotes cytokines' production; it induces LAK cell generation; stimulates B cell proliferation along with antibody secretion; and activates macrophages. Overall, IL-2 serves as an essential component in regulating immune responses.
Gene editing strategy: The full coding sequences of human IL2 gene, including the promoter, 5’UTR and 3’UTR are inserted into mouse Hipp11 (H11) locus in B-NDG hIL2 mice.
Protein expression analysis: Human IL2 was only detectable in heterozygous and homozygous B-NDG hIL2 mice but not in wild-type mice.
Application: The B-NDG hIL12 mice serve as a valuable tool in the creation of humanized immune system models.
Protein expression analysis in serum
Strain specific IL2 expression analysis in heterozygous and homozygous humanized B-NDG hIL2 mice by ELISA. Serum was collected from B-NDG mice (+/+), heterozygous B-NDG hIL2 mice (H/+) and homozygous B-NDG hIL2 mice (H/H, n=3). Protein expression level of IL2 was analyzed by ELISA (anti-human IL2 antibody: Biolegend, 431804). Human IL2 was only detectable in serum from heterozygous B-NDG hIL2 mice (A) and homozygous B-NDG hIL2 mice (B), but not in wild-type mice. Values are expressed as mean ± SEM.