title: Modulation of T cell responses by IL-2 and IL-2 complexes.
abstract: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine centrally involved in the regulation of immune tolerance and activation by its effects on CD4+ T regulatory (Treg) cells and cytotoxic effector lymphocytes, respectively. Due to these properties IL-2 immunotherapy has been used, as low-dose IL-2, in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic-inflammatory disorders; conversely, at high doses, IL-2 has shown efficacy in a subset of patients with metastatic cancer. Recent advances have highlighted the possibility of using improved IL-2-based therapies, such IL-2-antibody complexes (IL-2 complexes), able to selectively and potently stimulate either Treg cells or cytotoxic effector cells. This article discusses the properties and clinical implications of IL-2 and IL-2 complexes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland. onur.boyman@uzh.ch.
authors.forename: Onur
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Boyman
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Antonios G A
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Kolios
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Miro E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Raeber
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007376:Interleukin-2