What is Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2) and Why Does the Immune Zoomer Test for It?

Pancreatic islet autoantigen

Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2) is a protein found in insulin-secreting pancreatic islet cells that helps regulate secretory granules and hormone release. Testing for ICA2 autoantibodies measures immune reactivity directed at islet tissue, offering insight into immune-related pancreatic stress and related metabolic patterns when viewed with other markers.

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Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2)

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About Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2)

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About Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2)

Overview and History

ICA2 (also called IA‑2 or ICA512) is a transmembrane protein in the protein‑tyrosine phosphatase–like family localized to secretory granules of pancreatic beta cells. Biochemically, it participates in granule trafficking and the regulated release of hormones, playing a role in how islet cells store and secrete insulin-related peptides. ICA2 was identified as an islet autoantigen during studies of immune responses targeting pancreatic tissue. Autoantibodies that bind ICA2 are used as markers of islet-focused immune activity; their detection helped establish ICA2 as a clinically relevant target for mapping endocrine‑directed immune patterns.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated ICA2 autoantibody levels generally indicate detectable immune reactivity against ICA2-expressing islet tissue. In clinical context this pattern is associated with increased immune targeting of pancreatic islets and may correlate with changes in glucose regulation or evolving endocrine immune activity. Low or absent ICA2 autoantibodies means there is no measurable immune response to this specific antigen at the time of testing; it does not exclude immune activity against other islet antigens or immune processes elsewhere. ICA2 results are most informative when interpreted alongside other Immune Zoomer markers and clinical information.

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ICA2 is included in the Immune Zoomer to reveal islet‑specific immune targets within the Endocrine and Metabolic domain. Measuring ICA2 autoantibodies helps clinicians map pancreatic immune activity, prioritize follow‑up testing, and integrate islet‑directed signals into a broader, personalized immune profile.

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Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2) FAQs

What is Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2) and why is it important?

ICA2 is a protein located in insulin‑secreting cells of the pancreas. The immune system can form antibodies that bind this protein; detecting those antibodies shows whether the immune system is reacting to islet tissue. That information helps clinicians understand potential immune influences on blood sugar regulation as part of a wider immune assessment.

What does it mean if my Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2) levels are low?

Low or undetectable ICA2 autoantibodies mean there is no measurable immune response to this specific islet antigen at the time of testing. This does not rule out immune activity against other islet proteins or in other organ systems. Results should be interpreted with other Immune Zoomer markers and clinical findings to build a complete picture.

What does it mean if my Islet Cell Antigen 2 (ICA2) levels are high?

Higher ICA2 autoantibody levels indicate measurable immune reactivity directed at ICA2‑expressing islet cells. That pattern suggests islet‑focused immune activity and can be associated with shifts in metabolic regulation; interpretation depends on other autoantibodies, lab data, and clinical context.

Why is this biomarker included in the Immune Zoomer?

ICA2 helps map endocrine‑focused immune signals within the Immune Zoomer’s multi‑system profile. Its measurement adds specificity for pancreatic islet reactivity, helping providers detect patterns of immune stress, prioritize monitoring, and tailor further testing to an individual’s immune profile.

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