IL-21 induces in vivo immune activation of NK cells and CD8(+) T cells in patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Human interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a class I cytokine previously reported in clinical studies on immune responsive cancers. Here we report the effects of systemic IL-21 therapy on the immune system in two phase 1 trials with this novel cytokine.

Experimental design

Recombinant IL-21 was administered by intravenous bolus injection at dose levels from 1 to 100 microg/kg using two planned treatment regimens: thrice weekly for 6 weeks (3/week); or once daily for five consecutive days followed by nine dose-free days (5 + 9). The following biomarkers were studied in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during treatment: phosphorylation of STAT3, alterations in the composition of leukocyte subsets, ex vivo cytotoxicity, expression of effector molecules in enriched CD8(+)

SUBMITTER: Frederiksen KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2491425 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature