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Use of Interleukin-2 in Immunotherapy of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

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Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine produced by activated T cells. Its stimulatory activity allows T cells, B cells and natural killer cells to proliferate and to release cytokines and antibodies which protect the host against invading organisms. IL-2 plays a critical role in the prevention of apoptosis of HIV-infected cells, and the addition of IL-2 to a culture medium will increase the survival of T cells and will upregulate IL-2 receptor function.

Clinical studies of the administration of exogenous IL-2 to HIV-infected patients have demonstrated that it can be given in well tolerated doses and that it can increase and sustain the number of CD4+ cells while only transiently affecting viral proliferation, especially when given to patients with CD4+ counts >200 cells/mm3.

Further investigations are required to determine the optimal use of exogenous IL-2 in HIV-infected patients. There may also be an important role for IL-2 as an adjunct to gene therapy and preventive vaccines against HIV infection.

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  1. Department of Medicine, UCLA Center for Clinical AIDS Research and Education, BH-412 CHS, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90095-1793, USA

    Alice Reier &  Ronald T. Mitsuyasu

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  1. Alice Reier
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  2. Ronald T. Mitsuyasu
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Correspondence to Ronald T. Mitsuyasu.

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Reier, A., Mitsuyasu, R.T. Use of Interleukin-2 in Immunotherapy of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. BioDrugs 10, 215–225 (1998). https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-199810030-00005

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