Rational immunotherapy with interleukin 2.
Interleukin 2 (IL-2), a T lymphocyte product released upon antigen stimulation, has been used for cancer therapy in high doses for more than five years. More recently, its potential as a stimulant of cell-mediated immunity in infectious diseases, particularly those caused by intracellular microbes, has become appreciated. Drawing on the extensive information available as to the structure, cellular and molecular effects of IL-2, this review focuses on its use in patients with lepromatous leprosy and AIDS in low, physiologic doses. The data indicate that IL-2 is effective in stimulating cell-mediated immunity without systemic toxicity.
Laboratory of Cellular Physiology & Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021.
G
G
Kaplan
Z A
ZA
Cohn
K A
KA
Smith
D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D007376:Interleukin-2; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2