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IL-2 (interleukin 2)
IL-2 binds to IL-2 receptors on T cells and NK cells, promoting their proliferation, activation, and differentiation to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
IL-2 binds to IL-2 receptors on T cells and NK cells, promoting their proliferation, activation, and differentiation to enhance anti-tumor and anti-viral immune responses. Used for Metastatic renal cell carcinoma, Metastatic melanoma.
At a glance
| Generic name | IL-2 (interleukin 2) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Proleukin |
| Sponsor | King's College London |
| Drug class | Cytokine |
| Target | IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology, Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Interleukin-2 is a cytokine that acts as a growth factor for lymphocytes, particularly CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. By engaging the high-affinity IL-2 receptor complex, it drives T cell expansion and activation, enhancing their ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. IL-2 also promotes the generation of memory T cells, contributing to durable anti-tumor immunity.
Approved indications
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
- Metastatic melanoma
Common side effects
- Capillary leak syndrome
- Hypotension
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Thrombocytopenia
- Oliguria/acute kidney injury
Key clinical trials
- Entinostat in Combination With Aldesleukin in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- KRAS-Specific Autologous TCR-T Cell Therapy for KRAS Mutation in Advanced Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- TREg Activation in the Treatment of the PELADE (Alopecia Areata) (PHASE3)
- Study of the ITK Inhibitor Soquelitinib to Reduce Lymphoproliferation and Improve Cytopenias in Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)-FAS Patients (PHASE2)
- Lymphodepletion Plus Adoptive Cell Transfer With or Without Dendritic Cell Immunization in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma (PHASE2)
- SUPRAME-ACTengine® IMA203 vs. Investigator's Choice of Treatment in Previously Treated, Unresectable or Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma (PHASE3)
- FT819 in Subjects With B-cell Malignancies (PHASE1)
- CIML NK Cells With Venetoclax for AML (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- IL-2 (interleukin 2) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- IL-2 (interleukin 2) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- King's College London portfolio CI