PEG-interleukin-2

PEG-interleukin-2 (PEG-IL-2) is a pegylated form of the cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2), engineered to improve its pharmacokinetic properties for therapeutic use. By covalently attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to IL-2, the molecule’s half-life in circulation is significantly extended compared to native or recombinant IL-2. This modification allows for less frequent dosing and aims to reduce the severe toxicities associated with high-dose IL-2 therapy while maintaining or enhancing antitumor immune responses. Mechanistically, PEG-interleukin-2 acts as an agonist at the interleukin 2 receptor complex on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, stimulating their proliferation and activation—key processes in cancer immunotherapy. Clinical studies have shown that while PEGylation increases half-life and may reduce some toxicities, efficacy in terms of tumor response rates remains similar to unmodified IL-2[1][5][8]. The drug has been investigated primarily for metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.

Other names

polyethylene glycol-modified interleukin-2pegylated interleukin-2