title: Intralymphatic interleukin 2 treatment in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: preliminary experience in three cases.
abstract: Patients with opportunistic infections during the course of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were analyzed for cellular immune functions and found to be severely immunocompromised. In particular, interleukin 2 (IL 2) production appeared to be defect not only qualitatively but also quantitatively. In some of these patients, exogenous IL 2 improved immune response in vitro. Intralymphatically administered highly purified natural IL 2 was given repeatedly (over a time period of ten days) to three of these patients. In two cases, such a treatment course was repeated later. Clinical response - at least in some patients - appeared to be of temporary benefit. Shortly after termination of IL 2 application in two patients an increase of lectin responsiveness as well as improved reactivity in skin testing was noted, encouraging further exploration of IL 2 as an immunostimulatory drug in AIDS patients.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000628:therapy; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000628:therapy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D007376:Interleukin-2