zidovudine + interleukin-2

Zidovudine + interleukin-2 is an investigational combination therapy consisting of the antiretroviral agent zidovudine (AZT) and the immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2; also known as aldesleukin or recombinant human IL-2). Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that inhibits HIV replication by blocking reverse transcription. Interleukin-2 is a cytokine that stimulates proliferation and activation of T lymphocytes, enhancing immune responses. The combination has been studied primarily in HIV-infected patients to assess whether adding immune stimulation to antiretroviral therapy can improve immunologic outcomes such as CD4+ T cell counts and natural killer cell activity. Clinical studies have shown increases in CD4+ cells and NK cell activity with this regimen, though side effects such as anemia (from zidovudine) and flu-like symptoms (from IL-2) are common[1][3][6][8]. This combination remains investigational for HIV/AIDS.

Brand names

RetrovirProleukin

Other names

AZT + IL-2zidovudine + IL-2AZT + interleukin-2aldesleukin + zidovudine