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Low-Dose IL-2 in the Treatment of Lupus

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (G Tsokos, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Recent extensive research on interleukin-2 (IL-2)/IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) biology has revealed its critical role in the regulation of immune tolerance by influencing regulatory T (Treg) cell functions and survival. Since in vivo low-dose IL-2 administration in humans has been confirmed to be safe and effective in expanding Treg, it is likely that it may be considered for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematousus (SLE). A recent clinical trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of low-dose IL-2 treatment on SLE. In SLE, T cells show aberrant function such as deficient IL-2 production and abnormal signaling events. Expansion of Treg by IL-2 represents a specific strategy to control self-tolerance; however, restoration of abnormal immune function and responses should be addressed more carefully in patients with SLE considering the complexity of disease etiology and pathogenesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

    Masayuki Mizui

  2. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, CLS-937, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    George C. Tsokos

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  1. Masayuki Mizui
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  2. George C. Tsokos
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Correspondence to Masayuki Mizui or George C. Tsokos.

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Drs. Mizui and Tsokos declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this manuscript.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Mizui, M., Tsokos, G.C. Low-Dose IL-2 in the Treatment of Lupus. Curr Rheumatol Rep 18, 68 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-016-0617-5

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