Being studied in combination with AZT and other antivirals for treatment of HIV.
A substance that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system, thus improving the body's natural response to disease. A type of biological response modifier. Also called IL-2.
A naturally occurring hormone-like substance that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. IL-2 has been created artificially in the laboratory for use in the treatment of specific diseases (e.g., cancer).
One of a family of molecules that control the growth and function of many types of lymphocytes. Interleukin-2 is an immune system protein produced in the body by T cells. It has potent effects on the proliferation, differentiation, and activity of a number of immune system cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Commercially, IL-2 is produced by recombinant DNA technology and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic renal (ie, kidney) cell cancer. Studies have shown that in the test tube, addition of IL-2 can improve some of the immunologic functions that are abnormal in HIV-infected patients. In addition, IL-2 is a growth factor for T cells, causing them to increase in number. In a clinical study with IL-2, it was found that in a small number of HIV-infected patients, IL-2 boosted levels of CD4+ T cells (ie, the infection-fighting white blood cells normally destroyed during HIV infection) for more than 2 years, a far longer time than typically seen with currently available anti-HIV drugs. See also BIOTECHNOLOGY; B LYMPHOCYTES; GENETIC ENGINEERING; KILLER T CELLS; LYMPHOCYTE; T CELLS.
cytokine secreted by Th1 CD4 cells to stimulate CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes. IL-2 also increases the proliferation and maturation of the CD4 cells themselves. During HIV infection, IL-2 production gradually declines. Commercially, IL-2 is produced by recombinant DNA technology and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic renal (i.e., kidney) cell cancer. Recent data suggest that therapy with subcutaneous IL-2, in combination with antiretroviral drugs, has the potential to halt the usual progression of HIV disease by maintaining an individual's CD4+ T cell count in the normal range for prolonged periods of time.
T cell cytokine that acts as a growth factor and activator of T cells; also induces B cells to grow and differentiate and activates macrophages
One of a group of special proteins that control the immune response. Interleukin–2 stimulates the T_Lymphacites that are active in the skin.
An immune system hormone which stimuates T cells. It is produced by T cells in response to antigenic or mitogenic stimulation and the signal carried by Interleukin-1. It stimulates the proliferation of T cells bearing specific receptors for itself. It is given as a drug to late-stage AIDS patients to boost T cell activity. Its side effects include flu-like symptoms. It is usually abbreviated IL-2. It has previously been called Aldesleukin, lymphocyte transforming factor (LTF), T cell growth factor (TCGF) and thymocyte stimulating factor (TSF).
A hormone-like substance produced by the body (certain blood cells, specifically) that stimulates the growth of blood cells important to the body's immune system.
A large protein molecule produced by T-cells that activates cells in the immune system.
IL-2. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. These substances are normally produced by the body. Aldesleukin is IL-2 that is made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.
A protein molecule that triggers killer cells to attack cancer cells, seen as foreign bodies.
(in-ter-LOO-kin) IL-2. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. These substances are normally produced by the body
A type of interleukin, a chemical messenger, a substance that can improve the body's response to disease. It stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. Also called IL-2. See the entire definition of Interleukin-2
A naturally produced protein of the immune system that stimulates the growth of specific types of white blood cells. It is an FDA-approved immunotherapy for advanced inoperable melanoma and is under study for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk melanoma.
a biological response modifier that stimulates the growth of certain blood cells in the immune system that can fight cancer.