Interleukin 2, known as IL-2, is a cytokine signaling molecule that forms part of the immune system and manages the activity of white blood cells involved in immunity and in telling the body's own cells apart from foreign ones. It is naturally produced by activated T cells to help fight microbial infection. A recombinant form, aldesleukin, sold as Proleukin, is approved as a medication for certain cancers including melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, working by activating the immune system against tumor cells. Systemic IL-2 therapy carries significant toxicity risks, including vascular leak syndrome and flu like symptoms, and researchers are exploring lower dose, more targeted approaches with fewer side effects.
Facts
Drug ClassRecombinant protein therapeutic (cytokine) 1 Mechanism of ActionBinds IL-2 receptors expressed by lymphocytes to activate the immune system 1 Approved UseRecombinant IL-2 (aldesleukin) treats cancers such as melanoma and renal cell cancer 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskVascular leak syndrome is the most common adverse effect of high dose therapy 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountL: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents 2 Route of Administration Connections
Sources
1. Interleukin 2 (Wikipedia)
Pharmaceutical analogues section
It is manufactured using recombinant DNA technology and is marketed as a protein therapeutic and branded as Proleukin.
Lead section
IL-2 mediates its effects by binding to IL-2 receptors, which are expressed by lymphocytes.
History section
finally approved by the FDA as Proleukin for metastatic renal carcinoma in 1992.
Toxicity section
The most common adverse effect of high-dose IL-2 therapy is vascular leak syndrome (VLS; also termed capillary leak syndrome).
Pharmaceutical analogues
for the treatment of cancers (melanoma, renal cell cancer)
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code LQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code L
Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
3. Interleukin 2 (Wikipedia)
WikipediaInfobox drug, routes_of_administrationQuote, Infobox drug, routes_of_administration
Intravenous
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