Fig. 3
From: Reigniting hope in cancer treatment: the promise and pitfalls of IL-2 and IL-2R targeting strategies
Interplay of IL-2/IL-2R Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME): This figure elucidates the multifaceted roles of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the Interleukin-2 Receptor (IL-2R) within the TME, illustrating the varying influence of IL-2 based on its concentration. Lower levels of IL-2 can foster a regulatory microenvironment which potentially augments tumor growth, while higher levels act as stimulants for immune cells, fostering tumor elimination. Additionally, the figure underscores the heterogeneous impacts of dysregulated IL-2/IL-2R signaling. On one hand, it can stimulate regulatory T cells (Tregs), which may suppress anti-tumor responses, on the other, it can induce infiltration of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and NK cells, thus fortifying anti-tumor immune responses. It further emphasizes how IL-2 connects the adaptive and innate immune systems, highlighting the role of cells such as T cells, B cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells, both as IL-2 producers and responders. The varying sizes of arrows in the figure represent the differential intensity of IL-2 production and its effects on different cell types within the TME. Despite its intricate nature, modulating IL-2/IL-2R signaling is underscored as a promising therapeutic avenue, particularly when synergized with other immunotherapies. The figure was created using the online tool https://biorender.com/