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  • Review Article
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Rational Immunotherapy with Interleukin 2

Abstract

Interleukin 2 (IL-2), a T lymphocytes product released upon antigen stimulation, has been used for cancer therapy in high doses for more than five years. More recently, its potential as a stimulant of cell-meidated immunity in infectious diseases, particularly those caused by intracellular microbes, has become appreciated. Drawing on the extensive information available as to the structure, cellular and molecular effects of IL-2, this review focuses on its use in patients with lepromatous leprosy and AIDS in low, physiologic doses. The data indicate that IL-2 is effective in stimulating cell-mediated immunity without systemic toxicity.

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Kaplan, G., Cohn, Z. & Smith, K. Rational Immunotherapy with Interleukin 2. Nat Biotechnol 10, 157–162 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0292-157

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