title: The IL-2/IL-2 receptor system: a target for rational immune intervention.
abstract: The expression of interleukin 2 (IL-2), induction of its multisubunit receptor and subsequent interplay of this ligand with its receptor are pivotal events in T-cell activation. Our present understanding of the normal IL-2/IL-2 receptor system, and of disorders in this network in disease, opens the possibility for more specific immune intervention. Thomas Waldmann discusses how the clinical application of IL-2, agents that inhibit IL-2 synthesis and action, and anti-IL-2 receptor-directed therapy provide a novel perspective for prevention of allograft rejection and for treatment of graft-versus-host disease, select autoimmune disorders and certain neoplastic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Metabolism Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Waldmann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000628:therapy; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2