(ATDN) About Interleukin-2


(ATDN) About Interleukin-2

Treatment Review #18; April 1995

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a chemical messenger. It is one of many different kinds of chemicals that the body produces to allow cells to communicate with each other. It is a cytokine. IL-2 may help boost the immune system by causing T4 cells to proliferate, or increase in numbers. Although this would seem like a good thing - most researchers agree that T4 cells are a good way to estimate disease progression - it is not yet known whether the T4 cells that are created by using Il-2 are useful. In other words, the body may be making T4 cells that don't work. Someone who had 300 or 400 T4 cells after taking Il-2 might still be at risk of developing PCP pneumonia, for example, if they still only really had less than 200 T4 cells that actually worked. This has already been reported.

Il-2 is an approved drug, but not for the treatment of AIDS or HIV-related conditions. People who participated in clinical trials of the drug at high doses experienced severe side effects. Il-2 does not appear to work in people with less than 200 T4 cells, and also causes HIV to multiply at a faster rate. Although there are indications that this increase in HIV growth eventually slows down, there are no long term studies that describe what effect this may have on HIV progression in the long term. Anyone who is using IL-2 is cautioned that HIV growth definitely increases when using the drug. Researchers suggest taking at least one, if not several antiretroviral drugs when using this drug.

Researchers are now studying low dose IL-2 given by subcutaneous injection (a shot given under the skin). If this method works, it would be safer and more convenient than intravenous treatment, which is how the drug is usually given to people with kidney cancer. One New York City doctor suggests that it might be possible to restore normal immune system functioning if someone's T4 cells could be raised enough by administering Il-2. There are no controlled studies to back this up at this time.

Interleukin-2 also causes an increase in another cytokine called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This is a naturally occurring chemical produced by cells, although people with HIV may have too much of this in their blood. One of the normal functions of TNF is to get rid of cancerous cells in the body. TNF is thought to be responsible for an increase in HIV growth. At one time, TNF was tested as a treatment for AIDS. The results were not good.

An increase in TNF levels may be one of several reasons Il-2 causes HIV to multiply rapidly. In fact, several drugs such as thalidomide are currently being tested as anti-HIV treatments because they are believed to lower TNF levels. An anti-TNF drug, and an antibody that will hopefully attach to TNF and render it harmless, are also being studied as an HIV treatment. These two drugs are being studied in combination with Il-2 in a new study at the NIH.

Three new studies are taking place at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. The NIH is taking names for their studies. Because they are getting so many calls, they may take a few weeks to get back to you, but your calls will be returned in the order in which they're received. After your phone screening, if you are accepted for an interview and physical exam, you pay your way to Bethesda the first time. If you are accepted onto the study, the NIH pays for any trips necessary after that. You cannot have AIDS or have previously been treated with IL-2 to participate in any of these studies. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are not allowed.

The other new Il-2 study is taking place at several sites around the United States, including New York City. If you are interested in participating in any of the four new Il-2 studies call The Network at (800) 734-7104 for more information.


950401
ATR01806

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1995 - AIDS Treatment Data Network. If you want to copy, reproduce or excerpt this information, please give us a call at (800) 734-7104. This helps up to keep track of where and how this information is being used. You can also Email us at network@atdn.org  http://206.179.124.69/network/index.html

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1995. AEGIS.