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Recombinant interleukin-2 infusions and decreased IgG2 subclass concentrations
R J Soiffer1, C Murray, J Ritz
1Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Blood
|February 15, 1995
Summary
Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) therapy in cancer patients selectively increases natural killer (NK) cells. This treatment significantly decreases serum IgG2 concentrations, suggesting NK cells may downregulate IgG2 levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) administration increases natural killer (NK) cells in cancer patients.
- NK cell activity may influence immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of low-dose rIL-2 infusions on human serum IgG subclass concentrations in cancer patients.
- To determine if rIL-2 therapy alters IgG subclass levels in patients with malignant neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Serum IgG subclass concentrations were measured in 27 cancer patients before and during low-dose rIL-2 therapy.
- Patients included those with active metastatic tumors and those in a minimal residual disease state post-transplantation.
- Flow cytometry assessed changes in CD56+ NK cell percentages.
Main Results:
- rIL-2 treatment significantly increased NK cell percentage (18% to 54%, P = .0001).
- A significant decrease in serum IgG2 concentration was observed (2,017 to 1,655 µg/mL, P = .03).
- No significant changes were noted in IgG1, IgG3, or IgG4 levels; post-treatment IgG2 was lower than in healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose rIL-2 selectively decreases serum IgG2 concentrations in cancer patients.
- Increased NK cell activity induced by rIL-2 may be responsible for the downregulation of human serum IgG2.