Intralymphatic interleukin 2 treatment in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: preliminary experience in three cases.

Patients with opportunistic infections during the course of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were analyzed for cellular immune functions and found to be severely immunocompromised. In particular, interleukin 2 (IL 2) production appeared to be defect not only qualitatively but also quantitatively. In some of these patients, exogenous IL 2 improved immune response in vitro. Intralymphatically administered highly purified natural IL 2 was given repeatedly (over a time period of ten days) to three of these patients. In two cases, such a treatment course was repeated later. Clinical response - at least in some patients - appeared to be of temporary benefit. Shortly after termination of IL 2 application in two patients an increase of lectin responsiveness as well as improved reactivity in skin testing was noted, encouraging further exploration of IL 2 as an immunostimulatory drug in AIDS patients.