Therapeutic considerations for use of immunomodulators in the treatment of ataxia-telangiectasia.

The nature of the soluble mediators of immune regulation, the lymphokines, is now being determined and this allows consideration of new approaches to treatment of disorders involving immune dysfunction, such as ataxia-telangiectasia. The immunomodulatory effects of interleukin-2, interferons, and known chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide are considered in relation to the immune disorders of ataxia-telangiectasia. The possible etiology of the disease and its treatment are considered in relation to the immunopathologic effects that are observed.