Low-dose interleukin-2 therapy for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Issue 2 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Humrich, Jens Y.; Riemekasten, Gabriela
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in rheumatology. Volume 31:Issue 2(2019:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: immunotherapy -- interleukin-2 -- regulatory T cell -- systemic lupus erythematosus; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; Arthritis -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; Rheumatic Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.723
• DOI: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000575
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8711

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: To provide an overview behind the concept and recent advances of low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent findings: A disruption of regulatory T cell homeostasis caused by an acquired deficiency of IL-2 is a crucial event in the pathogenesis of SLE. Here, we highlight the key rationales for the clinical translation of low-dose IL-2 therapy in SLE and summarize the main findings from two independent, early phase uncontrolled clinical studies that investigated the immunological and clinical responses to low-dose IL-2 therapy in patients with active SLE. Important commonalities and differences between these studies with regard to study design and results are discussed. Summary: Low-dose IL-2 therapy is capable to promote the selective expansion of a functionally competent regulatory T cell population in a well-tolerated way and may have the potential to influence the clinical course in patients with active SLE. Although a clearer proof for the clinical efficacy of low-dose IL-2 therapy in SLE is still outstanding, these early studies provide important rationales and the scientific basis for more comprehensive and placebo-controlled trials in the future.