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.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigen-Antibody Complex / adverse effects
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Antigen-Antibody Complex / immunology
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Antigen-Antibody Complex / therapeutic use*
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / drug effects
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Humans
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Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
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Immunologic Factors / immunology
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Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
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Interleukin-2 / adverse effects
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Interleukin-2 / immunology
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Interleukin-2 / therapeutic use*
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Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
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Signal Transduction / drug effects*
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects*
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
Substances
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Antigen-Antibody Complex
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Immunologic Factors
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Interleukin-2