Fine tuning subsets of CD4+ T cells by low-dosage of IL-2 and a new therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases

Publication date: March 2018
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 56
Author(s): Zhen Zhao, Xiaojuan Zhang, Lili Su, Le Xu, Yong Zheng, Jian Sun
Although Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was identified almost 40 years ago, only recently low dosage IL-2 therapy is proved to be an effective approach to treat autoimmune diseases. The underlining mechanism is that IL-2 can fine-tune subsets of CD4⁺ T cells by promoting the development and maintenance of regulatory T cells (Treg) at low-dosage (ld) and enhance the functions of effector T cells (Teff) at high-dosage (hd). Since the successful clinical trials of IL-2 to treat patients with autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions, including Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), ld IL-2 therapy is a promising strategy to treat autoimmune diseases.



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