Definition

A formulation consisting of nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding a modified form of the endogenous cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2), with potential immunostimulating activity. Upon administration, ribocytokine IL-2 BNT151 is taken up by cells and the expressed IL-2 targets and binds to the IL-2 receptor beta subunit (IL2Rb; IL2Rbeta; CD122). The binding of IL-2 to IL2Rb activates IL2Rb-mediated signaling, which activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, and induces expression of certain cytotoxic cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFNg) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFb). The specific induction of T-cell-mediated cytotoxic immune responses against tumor cells causes tumor cell destruction. IL2Rb plays a key role in the proliferation and activation of effector T cells.