The multichain interleukin 2 receptor: a target for immunotherapy in lymphoma, autoimmune disorders, and organ allografts

Article Abstract:

The case of a 24-year-old black man who was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma is presented. Test results supported evidence of human T cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) related adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). The patient was treated with a standard regime of chemotherapeutic drugs. After remaining disease-free for 22 months, a recurrence involving the bone marrow and lymph nodes was detected. Treatment directed toward the interleukin 2 (IL-2) cells was administered with anti-Tac monoclonal antibody (CD25, a genetically engineered hybrid), and remission was observed for five more months. The IL-2 receptor has been the target for immunotherapy for this type of cancer, other autoimmune diseases, and organ transplants. Although in vitro studies indicate that these monoclonal antibodies have a high affinity to tumor cells, clinical success rates do not reflect this. Recent studies have reported very low numbers of complete remissions. After a second treatment with anti-Tac the patient did not respond and traditional chemotherapy was resumed. Researchers believe that a different pattern of T cell receptor gene arrangement had occurred as the disease progressed into a different phase. Possible reasons for the lack of response to therapy are discussed and the IL-2/IL-2-receptor system is examined. The efficacy of this treatment is dependent upon the state of the T cells; therapeutic response requires that T cells are in an activated state. Researchers feel that IL-2 may be a versatile target for treatment and that a number of different clinical strategies are possible.

Case studies, Drug therapy, Autoimmune diseases, Gene therapy, Chemotherapy, Interleukin-2, Chemotherapy, Combination, Combination chemotherapy, HTLV-I (Virus)

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Immunopharmacology: immunomodulation and immunotherapy

Article Abstract:

Many drugs can suppress or stimulate the immune system. Cytotoxic agents are a large group of immunosuppressive drugs and other agents that can kill actively dividing cells such as activated white blood cells. Examples are radiation, corticosteroids, and cyclosporine. Corticosteroids are often used to treat autoimmune disorders, allergies and skin disorders. Other immunosuppressive agents include alcohol and other drugs as well as environmental chemicals. The second group of agents are those that stimulate the immune system. Some are derived from naturally occurring biological substances, such as the interferons, interleukins, thymus hormones and certain products of bacteria and fungi. Chemically-synthesized agents include levamisole hydrochloride, inosine pranobex, muramyl dipeptide and the anti-ulcer drug cimetidine. Many other immunostimulatory drugs are under development.

Corticosteroids, Adrenocortical hormones, Immunosuppressive agents, Immunologic adjuvants, Immunological adjuvants

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Immunotherapy with allergens

Article Abstract:

Anti-allergy injections may help some patients with annoying or life-threatening allergies. Doctors can inject extracts of pollen, dust mites, animal dander and other allergens under the skin to desensitize patients and reduce allergic reactions in the eyes and nose, as in hay fever. This treatment may be useful in some cases of asthma, and is very effective at protecting people that react severely to bee stings and other insect venoms. No evidence supports injections to manage food allergies. Allergy injections can provoke serious systemic reactions, so cautious use is important.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Allergy, Immunotherapy, Allergens

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