Cancer

Cell culture and mouse studies suggest IL-2 complexed with an anti-IL-2 antibody could help treat metastatic melanoma. In cell-based assays, the antibody blocked CD25 binding to IL-2 and prevented expansion of CD25-positive Tregs, while still permitting IL-2-dependent expansion of CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells. In a mouse model of metastatic melanoma, a complex of human IL-2 and the antibody decreased tumor growth and the number of lung metastases compared /with human IL-2 alone. In another mouse model of metastatic melanoma, the IL-2/antibody complex increased tumor-free survival. Next steps could include testing the combination of IL-2/antibody complex and checkpoint inhibitors in a mouse model of metastatic melanoma...