[Cytokine therapy of immunodeficiency]

The cellular immunodeficiency diseases especially those with impaired IL-2 production are successfully treated by every day injection of rhIL-2. IL-2 is also effective on some patients with antibody deficiency probably caused by the lack of T cell help for B cells. Prolonged infection of EB-virus, human immunodeficiency virus, fungi and mycobacteria can be ameliorated by IL-2 treatment. Superoxide production and bacteriocidal activity of the leukocytes from some cases of chronic granulomatous disease are improved by injection of interferon gamma. Succeeding injection of G-CSF is effective to maintain the leukocyte count of congenital neutropenia to the level competent to protect bacterial infections.