IL-2 complex

IL-2 complex (IL-2c) refers to Interleukin-2 (IL-2) bound to an anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody (mAb). This complex is designed to potentiate the biological activity of IL-2 in vivo and can selectively stimulate different immune cell populations depending on the specific antibody used. IL-2 itself is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating the activities of white blood cells, primarily T cells and NK cells, by binding to the IL-2 receptor. The IL-2 complex aims to overcome the limitations of recombinant IL-2 therapy, such as its short half-life and broad effects, by prolonging its circulation and potentially directing its activity towards specific receptor components (e.g., CD25high or CD122high cells). In preclinical studies, IL-2 complex therapy has been shown to improve the numbers of NK cells in models of sepsis, leading to enhanced immunity against viral challenges like MCMV.