Immune Therapy: Cytokines

Immune chemicals may hold hope for new treatments in HIV

January 2005     View PDF     En español

On the horizon

Interleukin-2 (IL-2, Proleukin)
Of the cytokines being researched in the setting of HIV, IL-2 is the most widely studied and furthest along in development. Also known as T cell Growth Factor, IL-2 stimulates CD4+ cells to reproduce. An emerging body of research suggests that IL-2-stimulated cells thrive better in the face of HIV infection than other CD4+ cells. IL-2 induces increases in CD4+ cell count levels that far surpass those achieved by any other therapy researched for HIV. Two very large studies are underway to see if IL-2, in addition to anti-HIV therapy, reduces disease progression and prolongs life. For more information on IL-2, read Project Inform's publications, IL-2 and Taking IL-2 and Managing Its Side Effects.

IL-2 is also being evaluated for its potential to heighten responses to therapeutic HIV vaccines. A few small studies are including IL-2 as part of acute infection and early disease treatment and structured treatment interruption (STI).