An immunization named interlaukin-2 or IL-2 has been found to be a disppointment when it comes to fighting HIV. It was successful with melanoma and kidney cancer but that wasnt good enough. So scientists have discovered a new way of using this vaccine. It turns out that IL-2 does more than send immune fighters into battle. It also ratchets down these defenses by triggering production of T regulatory cells, or T-Regs, which keep other immune troops in line. This benefits patients with lupus, multiple sclerosis or rhematoid arthritus. So these doctors are taking advantage of IL-2's alter ego.
It really is disappointing that IL-2 can't fight HIV. However, the fact that patients with lupus, multiple sclerosis, and arthritus can benefit from it is awesome! Hopefully doctors can find other diseases and medical issues IL-2 can help.
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