Role of Interleukin-2 Activated MHC-Nonrestricted Lymphocytes in Antileukemia Activity and Therapy

Abstract

Although the application of biological therapy for solid tumors with cytokines and adoptively transferred activated lymphocytes has received substantial attention, this approach has not been actively explored in treatment of hematopoietic neoplasms. This review will address the possibilities of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-2 activated natural killer (NK) cells and T cells in antileukemia reactivity and therapy. The new approaches to optimal activation and generation of oncolytic cells, selective propagation of lymphocyte subsets, and the role of adhesion molecules in antileukemia cytotoxicity will also be addressed. We trust that this article will be conducive to the development of new directions in leukemia research and treatment.

Key Words:

• Human leukemia
• interleukin-2
• NK cells
• lymphokine activated killer cell activity (LAK)
• leukemia resistance
• leukemia therapy
• lymphocyte subsets