From the Research
Soluble Interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Rα) is a crucial biomarker for immune system activation and inflammation, and its measurement is significant for disease diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and evaluating treatment response in various conditions, including lymphomas, autoimmune disorders, and infections, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Definition and Significance of sIL-2Rα
sIL-2Rα is a protein fragment that circulates in the blood after being cleaved from the surface of activated immune cells, particularly T lymphocytes. It serves as an important biomarker for immune system activation and inflammation in various conditions.
Clinical Utility of sIL-2Rα Measurement
The significance of measuring sIL-2Rα lies in its utility for disease diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and evaluating treatment response. For instance, very high levels (often >10,000 U/mL) may suggest lymphoma or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), while moderate elevations might indicate autoimmune conditions or sarcoidosis, as discussed in 1.
Biological Basis and Normal Reference Ranges
The biological basis for this marker's importance is that IL-2 signaling plays a central role in T-cell proliferation and immune regulation, and the shedding of its receptor reflects the degree of immune system engagement. Normal reference ranges typically fall between 200-700 U/mL, though specific laboratory reference ranges may vary, as noted in the context of various studies including 1.
Disease Association and Prognosis
Elevated sIL-2Rα levels have been associated with a poor prognosis in several types of cancers, including follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as indicated by 2. The measurement of sIL-2Rα can be useful in determining disease progress and prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis and solid cancers of varied etiology, as summarized in 3.