IL-2R beta/CD122

IL-2R beta (CD122) is a type I cytokine receptor, and belongs to Type 4 subfamily. IL-2R beta is also a key component of the IL-15 receptor. IL-2R beta binds IL-2 with intermediate affinity, and increases the proportion of CD4+ T lymphocytes[1]. IL-2R beta mediates T cell immune responses, such as stimulating T cell proliferation and activating lymphokine-activated killer cells[2]. IL-2R beta is broadly expressed in spleen, blood, and lymph node, such as B and T lymphocytes[3]. Human IL-2R beta consists of extracellular domain (A27-T240), helical domain (I241-I265), and cytoplasmic domain (N266-V551). Human IL-2R beta shares <60% aa sequence identity with mouse and rats. Mouse IL-2R beta shares 81.01% aa sequence identity with rats. IL-2R beta cytoplasmic domain heterodimerizes with IL-2 and leads to the activation of signaling pathways: phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/AKT, Ras-MAP kinase, and the JAK-STAT pathways[4]. IL-2R beta mediates IL-2 internalization and signal transduction, such as cell proliferation or differentiation[5].