interleukin 2

noun

1. Immunology. a lymphokine protein, secreted by T cells in response to antigen and interleukin 1, that stimulates the proliferation of T cells.
2. Pharmacology. a form of this protein produced by genetic engineering and used experimentally in immunotherapy. : IL-2

Word History and Origins

Origin of interleukin 2¹

First recorded in 1980–85; interleukin 1

Example Sentences

Then she adds Interleukin 2, a growth factor that causes the cells to grow and proliferate.

From Seattle Times

Then she adds Interleukin 2, a growth factor that causes the cells to grow and proliferate.

From Seattle Times

After giving the genetically engineered drug Interleukin 2 in high doses to 283 patients with spreading kidney or skin cancer, researchers found that a significant number stayed in remission for periods from seven to 91 months.

From Time Magazine Archive