Treatment with low-dose interleukin-2 (LD-IL-2) has been explored as a new clinical strategy for autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). However, there is currently no available information on evidence-based medicine regarding the changes in lymphocyte subsets in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases receiving LD-IL-2 therapy.

Disease activity scores, including Disease Activity Score-28 joints (DAS28), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) and Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI), were all significantly reduced following LD-IL-2 therapy.

LD-IL-2 was promising and well tolerated in treating ADRs, which could promote the proliferation and functional recovery of Tregs.

Continuous medication therapy with a dosage of 0.5 million IU (international unit) per day demonstrates a superior therapeutic effect compared to intermittent medication with a dosage of 1 million IU every other day.

Most adverse events associated with LD-IL-2 therapy were mild and resolved quickly after discontinuation.