Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha Chain (IL-2Ra/CD25), Soluble
Other names: IL-2RALPHA (CD25),SOLUBLE
Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha Chain (IL-2Ra), also known as CD25, is a protein expressed on the surface of immune cells, such as activated T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. When it is shed from the surface of these cells, it circulates in the blood as soluble IL-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Ra). Measuring sIL-2Ra levels provides insights into immune system activity and inflammation.
Why Is This IL-2Ra Important?
sIL-2Ra plays a critical role in the regulation of the immune response. It binds to interleukin-2 (IL-2), a key cytokine for T-cell growth and immune function. Elevated levels of sIL-2Ra are associated with immune system activation and are often seen in various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, cancers, and infectious diseases.
Normal and Elevated Levels
- Normal Range: Reference ranges can vary by laboratory but are typically around 532 – 1891 pg/mL.
- Elevated Levels:
Increased sIL-2Ra indicates immune activation and may suggest conditions such as:- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis)
- Chronic infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, tuberculosis)
- Lymphoproliferative disorders (e.g., Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia)
- Transplant rejection – Elevated sIL-2Ra is a marker for organ rejection in transplant recipients.
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in severe inflammatory states.
Clinical Use and Interpretation
- Disease Monitoring: sIL-2Ra is often used to monitor disease progression or treatment response in patients with inflammatory or autoimmune disorders.
- Differential Diagnosis: Helps differentiate between active and quiescent phases of autoimmune diseases.
- Cancer Prognosis: In some lymphomas and leukemias, high levels of sIL-2Ra correlate with poor prognosis.
Symptoms and Conditions Related to Elevated sIL-2Ra
Patients with elevated soluble IL-2 receptor levels may experience:
- Fatigue and fever
- Joint pain and swelling (in autoimmune diseases)
- Unexplained weight loss (in lymphoproliferative disorders)
- Chronic infections that are difficult to clear
Reducing Elevated IL-2Ra Levels
Treatment depends on addressing the underlying cause. For example:
- Autoimmune conditions: Immunosuppressive therapy may reduce inflammation and sIL-2Ra levels.
- Chronic infections: Proper antimicrobial treatment can help normalize levels.
- Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy for lymphoma or leukemia may reduce sIL-2Ra.
What does it mean if your Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha Chain (IL-2Ra/CD25), Soluble result is too high?
Elevated levels of soluble IL-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Ra) in the blood indicate increased immune system activation, which can occur in several conditions. It reflects T-cell and immune response dysregulation and can help in diagnosing or monitoring various inflammatory, autoimmune, and neoplastic disorders.
Common Conditions Associated with Elevated sIL-2Ra Levels
-
Autoimmune Diseases
Elevated sIL-2Ra is a marker of chronic inflammation in diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Examples:- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
-
Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Increased levels are associated with certain cancers of the blood and lymphatic system due to excessive activation and proliferation of lymphocytes.- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL)
-
Infectious Diseases
Chronic or severe infections can lead to elevated sIL-2Ra as the immune system remains persistently activated.- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis
-
Transplant Rejection and Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD)
Elevated sIL-2Ra may indicate organ transplant rejection or GVHD following bone marrow or stem cell transplants. -
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
Seen in severe inflammatory reactions, such as during cytokine storm syndromes in viral infections (e.g., COVID-19) or after CAR-T cell therapy. -
Sarcoidosis
Elevated sIL-2Ra is a useful marker in sarcoidosis, reflecting disease activity in this chronic inflammatory condition that causes granuloma formation. -
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
HLH is a rare but life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition where very high sIL-2Ra levels indicate macrophage activation syndrome.
Clinical Significance of Elevated Levels
The degree of elevation can help assess disease severity and guide treatment decisions.
- Moderate elevations suggest low-grade or chronic immune activation (autoimmune diseases or infections).
- High elevations are more common in lymphoproliferative disorders or severe inflammatory conditions like HLH or CRS.
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