From the Guidelines
Soluble Interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor levels should be used as a valuable tool in monitoring sarcoidosis, in addition to clinical, radiological, and histological evidence, as they provide useful information about disease activity and progression 1. When monitoring sarcoidosis, it is essential to consider the role of soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels, as they have become a useful tool in evaluating disease activity.
- Key points to consider when using sIL-2R levels in monitoring sarcoidosis include:
- Elevated serum levels of sIL-2R are usually associated with more aggressive disease and multiple-organ involvement 1.
- sIL-2R levels can be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and lysozyme levels, to evaluate disease activity.
- Serial measurements of sIL-2R levels can provide valuable information about disease trajectory and treatment response in sarcoidosis patients.
- The use of sIL-2R levels in monitoring sarcoidosis is supported by recent evidence, which highlights the importance of regular follow-up assessments, typically every 3-6 months, depending on disease severity and treatment status 1.
- It is crucial to interpret sIL-2R levels in the context of clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, and imaging studies to ensure comprehensive disease monitoring.
- While sIL-2R levels are not specific to sarcoidosis alone, they reflect systemic inflammation and granuloma formation activity, making them a valuable marker for monitoring disease activity in sarcoidosis patients 1.
From the Research
Role of Soluble Interleukin-2 (IL-2) in Monitoring Sarcoidosis
- Soluble IL-2 receptors (sIL-2R) have been found to be elevated in patients with active sarcoidosis, suggesting a potential role in monitoring disease activity 2, 3, 4.
- Studies have shown that serum concentrations of sIL-2R correlate with disease activity and can be used to distinguish between active and inactive disease 3, 5.
- sIL-2R levels have also been found to decrease after successful treatment with corticosteroids, further supporting their use as a marker of disease activity 2, 3.
- The sensitivity and specificity of serum sIL-2R levels in diagnosing sarcoidosis have been found to be 88% and 85%, respectively, making it a useful biomarker for establishing the diagnosis of sarcoidosis 6.
Biological Role of sIL-2R in Sarcoidosis
- The biological role of sIL-2R in sarcoidosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to modify IL-2 signaling and may have immunostimulatory, immunomodulatory, or no functional effects 5.
- sIL-2R may be generated through proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound IL-2Rα, but the exact mechanism is unclear 5.
- Further research is needed to determine the exact role of sIL-2R in sarcoidosis and its potential as a therapeutic target 5.
Comparison with Other Biomarkers
- sIL-2R has been found to be superior to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in establishing the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, with a higher sensitivity and specificity 6.
- sIL-2R levels have also been found to correlate with other biomarkers, including ACE, and with lung function tests and nuclear imaging studies 3, 5.