title: Prevention of rejection of kidney transplants by monoclonal antibody directed against interleukin 2.
abstract: The effect of 33B3.1, a rat IgG2a monoclonal antibody (MAb) directed against interleukin 2 receptors on activated T lymphocytes, was studied during the first two weeks after transplantation in an attempt to prevent rejection in primary, cadaveric, kidney transplant recipients. 9 patients received 5 mg 33B3.1 daily by intravenous infusion for 14 days (group A) and 18 received 10 mg daily (group B). Both groups also received prednisone and azathioprine. In threatened rejection, rescue treatment consisted of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). 33B3.1 was well tolerated, with mild fever during the first 2 days being the most common side-effect. 3 patients in group A had a reversible acute rejection episode before day 14, whereas only 1 patient in group B had reversible rejection. 20 of 30 historical control patients (prednisone/azathioprine) and 2 of 55 patients previously treated with ATG had a rejection episode in a similar period after transplantation. Trough levels of 33B3.1 in the blood ranged from undetectable to 1.6 micrograms/ml in group A and from 0.3 to 9 micrograms/ml in group B. Most patients had antibodies against 33B3.1 by the end of treatment.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2