The IL-2/IL-2 receptor system: a target for rational immune intervention.
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-2R system and of disorders in this network in disease opens the possibility for more specific immune intervention. Thomas Waldmann discusses the clinical application of IL-2, agents that inhibit IL-2 synthesis and action, and how the anti-IL-2 receptor-directed therapy provides a novel perspective for prevention of allograft rejection and for treatment of graft versus host disease, select autoimmune disorders and certain neoplastic diseases.
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
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Waldmann
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
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2