A new fusion protein activates immune pathways to promote tolerance, according to a study in Nature.
Scientists have created a fusion protein that integrates interleukin-2 (IL-2) with a helminth-derived mimic of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), as detailed in a Nature study published online on March 11, 2026. This protein targets IL-2 receptor-expressing T cells, triggering both IL-2 and TGFβ signaling pathways essential for immune regulation.
The fusion protein works by binding to specific receptors on T cells, leading to the activation of pathways that suppress immune responses. In experiments, it successfully induced stable antigen-specific regulatory T cells in peripheral lymphoid organs, which help maintain immune balance and prevent overreactions.
Regulatory T cells generated through this method showed long-term stability, potentially offering a way to control autoimmune conditions or transplant rejections. The study demonstrated that the protein's design allows it to mimic natural signaling without causing unintended side effects in tested models.
How the Protein Functions
The IL-2 component of the fusion protein stimulates T cell proliferation, while the TGFβ mimic promotes tolerance by inhibiting inflammatory responses. Researchers observed this dual action in various in vitro and in vivo tests, confirming the protein's efficacy in modulating immune activity.
Further analysis revealed that the protein does not affect other cell types significantly, focusing its impact on IL-2 receptor-bearing cells. This specificity could make it a promising tool for targeted therapies, though additional studies are needed to verify its applications in humans.
The Nature publication included data from multiple experiments, showing consistent results across different models. This advancement builds on prior research into immune modulators, highlighting the potential for engineered proteins in medical treatments.
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