Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the IDO2 gene. IDO2 is one of three enzymes that catalyze the degradation of tryptophan, an essential amino acid, along the kynurenine pathway. The other two enzymes are indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO).

Function[edit | edit source]

IDO2, like its counterpart IDO1, catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in the kynurenine pathway, which is the primary route of tryptophan catabolism. The enzyme oxidizes tryptophan to form N-formylkynurenine, which is subsequently converted to kynurenine. This pathway plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes, including immune response, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

IDO2 has been implicated in several diseases due to its role in tryptophan metabolism and the immune response. For instance, it has been associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In cancer, IDO2 may contribute to tumor immune escape by depleting tryptophan in the tumor microenvironment, thereby suppressing the immune response.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD