Final answer:
The major function of Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is to induce proliferation of activated T cells, which is an essential process in the adaptive immune response. It helps in the clonal expansion of T cells to fight off pathogens. IL-2 is not directly involved in B-cell differentiation, acute phase response, or suppression of the immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
A major function of Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is to induce proliferation of activated T cells. IL-2 is a cytokine, a type of protein that affects the behavior of immune cells. When a T cell recognizes an antigen and becomes activated, IL-2 is produced to signal other immune cells to divide and multiply, leading to a clonal expansion of T cells that can effectively combat pathogens. This is a critical aspect of the adaptive immune response, allowing the body to tailor its response to specific antigens.
IL-2 does not play a direct role in promoting B-cell differentiation into plasma cells, inducing the acute phase response, or suppressing the immune response. Those functions are associated with other cytokines and mechanisms in the immune system. For example, other interleukins and signals are responsible for B cell activation and differentiation into plasma cells, which are crucial for the production of antibodies.