USE OF INTERLEUKIN-2 IN IMMUNOTHERAPY OF HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUSINFECTION

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 t he 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 u pregulate IL-2 receptor function. Clinical studies of the administrati on of exogenous IL-2 to HIV-infected patients have demonstrated that i t can be given in well tolerated doses and that it can increase and su stain the number of CD4+ cells while only transiently affecting viral proliferation, especially when given to patients with CD4+ counts >200 cells/mm(3). Further investigations are required to determine the opt imal use of exogenous IL-2 in HN-infected patients. There may also be an important role for IL-2 as an adjunct to gene therapy and preventiv e vaccines against HIV infection.