Which factor blocks IL-2 production?

Which factor blocks IL-2 production?

• A. IL-6
• B. TNF-alpha
• C. Cortisol and Corticosteroids
• D. IFN-gamma

Answer: (C)

Corticosteroids suppress T cell activation by blocking IL-2 production. IL-2 is the essential growth factor produced by activated T cells to drive their own proliferation. The glucocorticoid receptor pathway dampens IL-2 gene transcription by interfering with transcription factors needed for IL-2 expression (like NFAT and AP-1), leading to lower IL-2 mRNA and less IL-2 secretion. Without IL-2, T cells don’t optimally expand after activation, explaining the broad immunosuppressive effects of steroids. IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ are inflammatory cytokines that promote various immune responses and do not specifically inhibit IL-2 production in the way corticosteroids do.

Corticosteroids suppress T cell activation by blocking IL-2 production. IL-2 is the essential growth factor produced by activated T cells to drive their own proliferation. The glucocorticoid receptor pathway dampens IL-2 gene transcription by interfering with transcription factors needed for IL-2 expression (like NFAT and AP-1), leading to lower IL-2 mRNA and less IL-2 secretion. Without IL-2, T cells don’t optimally expand after activation, explaining the broad immunosuppressive effects of steroids.

IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ are inflammatory cytokines that promote various immune responses and do not specifically inhibit IL-2 production in the way corticosteroids do.