Definition

A fusion protein consisting of the cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) fused to an as of yet not fully elucidated protein, with potential immunopotentiating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, IL-2 fusion protein PTX-912 targets and binds to IL-2 receptors, and activates IL-2 receptor-mediated signaling in immune cells. This activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, and induces expression of certain cytotoxic cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFNg) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFb). This leads to T-cell-mediated cytotoxic immune responses against tumor cells and inhibits tumor cell proliferation.