Subcutaneous Administration of Interleukin‐2 in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1—Infected Persons

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Abstract
The safety and efficacy were assessed of 5-day cycles of subcutaneous (sc) interleukin-2 (IL-2) every 8 weeks in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected outpatients with > 200 CD4 cells/ mm3. Immunologic, virologic, and toxicity parameters were measured in 18 patients receiving standard antiretrovirals plus 5-day courses of sc IL-2 (3–18 MIU/day) every 2 months. Systemic toxicities established the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of IL-2 as 15 MIU/day. CD4 cell responses appeared to correlate directly with baseline CD4 cell counts, with several patients experiencing a dramatic rise after 3 cycles. Virus load increased only transiently in the peri-injection period. It was concluded that serial cycles of outpatient sc IL-2 can be administered safely, with an MTD of 15 MIU/day. Patients with higher baseline counts appear to have a greater CD4 cell response to sc IL-2 therapy.

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