Publisher's Synopsis
This publication presents the proceedings of the international symposium held at the University of Sheffield in 1989. It provides an up-to-date account of many important aspects of interleukin-2 (IL-2), and its clinical application. The molecular structure of IL-2 and its receptor subunits provide a basis for understanding lymphocyte activation by IL-2 and the generation of effector cells capable of mediating cytotoxicity towards tumours. Researchers of international standing present authoritative views on the molecular aspects of cell signalling, allowing speculation of the in vivo pathways of activation likely to be important in determining clinical responses. Attention has focussed on the use of cytokines, particularly IL-2, for the treatment of cancer. The recent results from clinical trials using IL-2 and adoptive cellular therapy provide a clear account of the clinical progress, and of the problems encountered in attempting to improve the therapeutic benefit of IL-2. The importance of mechanisms which subverse IL-2 responses is also given.
