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Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : CII logoLink to Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : CII
. 1999 Jan;47(5):243–248. doi: 10.1007/s002620050527

Mechanisms of leukocyte-mediated tissue injury induced by interleukin-2

Alex B Lentsch 1, Frederick N Miller 2, Michael J Edwards 1
PMCID: PMC11037318  PMID: 10022467

Abstract

In this review we discuss the effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy on trafficking of leukocytes and platelets to normal organs. The use of animal models has allowed the elucidation of events leading to damage and/or dysfunction of normal tissues after IL-2 administration. These studies have shown that acute toxicity induced by IL-2 is mediated primarily by neutrophils. Chronic toxicity results from the adhesion and transmigration of activated lymphocytes into normal organs. Platelet-derived microvascular thrombosis also contributes to the vascular toxicity of IL-2. A better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to the development of interventions that will significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of IL-2.

Keywords: Key words IL-2, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Platelets, Microcirculation

Footnotes

Received: 22 August 1998 / Accepted: 16 October 1998


Articles from Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : CII are provided here courtesy of Springer

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