Definition

A modified form of the recombinant form of human endogenous cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2), with potential immunoregulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon injection of modified IL-2 LTC004, IL-2 binds to the IL-2 receptor beta (CD122) and gamma (CD132) subunits (IL2Rb/g) that are expressed on CD8+ T effector cells and natural killer (NK) cells, thereby activating IL2R-mediated signaling within these immune cells. The activation of T- and NK cells mediates cytolytic immune responses against tumor cells causing tumor cell destruction and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. The additional disulfide bonds in LTC004 reduces binding of IL-2 to IL-2 receptor alpha (IL2Ralpha; IL-2Ra) and thereby reduces IL-2Ra-mediated toxicities.