anti-interleukin-2 antibody complex

An anti-interleukin-2 antibody complex (IL-2cx) is a therapeutic modality consisting of recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) non-covalently bound to a specific anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody. This approach is designed to overcome the limitations of recombinant IL-2 therapy, such as its short half-life and the off-target activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) via the high-affinity IL-2 receptor alpha (CD25). By binding to specific epitopes on the IL-2 molecule, the antibody can sterically hinder the interaction between IL-2 and CD25 while simultaneously promoting or maintaining the interaction with the intermediate-affinity IL-2 receptor beta/gamma (CD122/CD132) complex. This redirection of signaling preferentially activates and expands effector populations like CD8+ T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells, enhancing anti-tumor immunity while minimizing Treg-mediated immunosuppression and toxicities like vascular leak syndrome. Conversely, different antibody clones can be used to create complexes that selectively favor CD25 binding for the treatment of autoimmune diseases by expanding Tregs.

Other names

interleukin-2/anti-interleukin-2 antibody complexIL-2 cytokine-antibody complexIL2 cytokine-antibody complexIL 2 cytokine-antibody complex