| abstract |
Novel or alternative variants of human interleukin-2 (IL-2) muteins are provided; and nucleic acid molecules, and variants thereof. Methods to produce these muteins are also described as well as methods to stimulate an animal's immune system. In addition, the invention provides recombinant expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of this invention and host cells into which expression vectors have been introduced. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a human IL-2 mutein of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are included. IL-2 muteins have lower toxicity than native IL-2 or Proleukin (r); IL-2, while maintaining or increasing the effects mediated by NK cells, can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of cancer, and to stimulate the immune response. |