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Pharmacology · Drugs and Prescriptions

Aldesleukin

*Aldesleukin*

Aldesleukin is a recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) analog used in immunotherapy. The drug stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of T-lymphocytes, enhancing the antitumor immune response.

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GroupRecombinant cytokines (interleukins)
Site of actionIL-2 receptors
Primary indicationRenal cell carcinoma
How to write a prescription
Rp.: Aldesleukini 0,001
D.t.d. N 5 in amp.
S. Содержимое ампулы растворить в 1–2 мл воды для инъекций, затем развести в 500 мл 5% раствора глюкозы; вводить в/в капельно

Alternative notations: Pulv. Aldesleukini 0.001; Aldesleukini 0.001 in amp.

Dosage form
Lyophilized powder in ampoules 0.001 g
Administration
The contents of the ampoule are pre-dissolved in 1-2 ml of water for injection, then in 500 ml of 5% glucose solution; administered via intravenous infusion
Group
Agents affecting immune processes and suppressing inflammation
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 09/24/2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Role of interleukin-2 in the immune response

Endogenous interleukin-2 plays a key role in the activation of cell-mediated immunity. Its effects include:

  • Stimulation of proliferation: IL-2 binds to its specific receptors on T-lymphocytes, promoting their transition from the resting phase ($G_1$) to the DNA synthesis phase ($S$-phase), which leads to active cell division.
  • Activation of cell-mediated immunity: Under the influence of IL-2, type 1 T-helper cells are stimulated. They begin to secrete interferon-gamma (IFN-$\gamma$), which in turn activates T-killer cells and macrophages necessary for the destruction of damaged and tumor cells.
  • Development of the humoral response: IL-2 also affects type 2 T-helper cells. These cells produce interleukin-4 (IL-4), a mediator that triggers the proliferation of B-lymphocytes, ultimately leading to the production of antibodies (e.g., IgE).

Mechanism of action of aldesleukin

Aldesleukin, being an analog of natural IL-2, reproduces its pharmacodynamic effects:

  1. Binds to specific IL-2 receptors on the surface of immune cells.
  2. Stimulates the differentiation and active division of T-lymphocytes, as well as other cell populations dependent on interleukin-2.
  3. Significantly increases the cytotoxic activity of T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells against tumor cells.
  4. Induces the release of a cascade of other important cytokines, including IFN-$\gamma$, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-1 (IL-1).
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Medical applications

Due to its pronounced ability to activate cytotoxic cells of the immune system, aldesleukin has found application in oncology. Its main indication is the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The drug mobilizes the body's own defenses to combat the malignant neoplasm by enhancing the recognition and destruction of tumor cells.

Class and exam questions

What is aldesleukin and which group does it belong to?

This is a recombinant analogue of endogenous interleukin-2. It belongs to the group of cytokines used to regulate the immune response.

What is the main indication for prescribing aldesleukin?

The primary indication for the use of this drug is renal cell carcinoma.

Which cells does aldesleukin activate to fight the tumor?

The drug increases the cytotoxicity of T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.

The production of which cytokines does aldesleukin induce?

It stimulates the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-1 (IL-1).

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