The Effects and Side Effects of Recombinant Human Interleukin-2

Recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) has various effects including enhancing immune cell activity, inducing immune cell proliferation, improving the body's anti-infective capacity, assisting in tumor cell growth suppression, and regulating immune response balance. Side effects may include fever and fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, hematological abnormalities, local reactions, and transient effects on liver and kidney function. Medication should be taken strictly as prescribed. If severe discomfort or abnormal symptoms occur after administration, prompt medical attention is recommended.

I. Effects

1. Enhances Immune Cell Activity: Activates T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing their ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells. This strengthens the body’s immune defense and establishes a solid foundation for immune responses.

2. Induces Immune Cell Proliferation: Promotes division and multiplication of immune cells, increasing their numbers and strengthening the body’s immune system by providing sufficient and effective cellular support for immune responses.

3. Improves Anti-Infective Capacity: Regulates immune function to enhance resistance against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, helps control the progression of infectious diseases, and reduces the risk of worsening infections.

4. Assists in Suppressing Tumor Cell Growth: Activates immune cells to specifically recognize and destroy tumor cells, and induces tumor cell apoptosis. This provides critical immune support in cancer treatment and aids in disease control.

5. Regulates Immune Response Balance: Coordinates the intensity of immune reactions, preventing excessive or insufficient immunity, maintaining immune system stability, and reducing the occurrence of immune-related disorders.

II. Side Effects

1. Fever and Fatigue: Low-grade to moderate fever is common after administration, often accompanied by general fatigue and muscle aches. These are typically temporary reactions that gradually subside over the course of treatment or with symptomatic management.

2. Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite frequently occur. Most cases are mild to moderate, have minimal impact on ongoing therapy, and can improve with dietary adjustments.

3. Hematological Abnormalities: May cause temporary reductions in white blood cell and platelet counts. Regular blood tests are necessary during treatment, and medication regimens should be adjusted promptly based on laboratory findings.

4. Local Reactions: Redness, pain, and induration at the injection site are common. Proper injection techniques and appropriate site selection can effectively reduce the occurrence of these local discomforts.

5. Transient Effects on Liver and Kidney Function: In a minority of cases, mild elevations in liver enzymes (e.g., transaminases) or creatinine levels may occur. Such abnormalities are usually temporary and tend to return to normal after discontinuation of the drug.

In daily life, ensure adequate fluid intake to promote drug metabolism, maintain a light, easily digestible, and nutritionally rich diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, follow a regular sleep schedule without staying up late, engage moderately in mild activities such as walking, and keep the injection site clean and dry to enhance treatment tolerance.