OBJECTIVES: I. Determine whether polyethylene-glycol-conjugated interleukin 2 (PEG-IL-2) can reduce the number of infections in patients with common variable immunodeficiency.

II. Determine whether this therapy can improve lung functions in these patients with pulmonary impairment.

PROTOCOL OUTLINE: This is a randomized, open-label study. Patients are randomized to receive polyethylene-glycol-conjugated interleukin 2 (PEG-IL-2) or placebo.

Patients receive PEG-IL-2 or placebo by subcutaneous injection weekly for 18 months. Patients maintain a daily diary for 24 months.

Patients are followed every 4 months for 2 years.

Completion date provided represents the completion date of the grant per OOPD records

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA:

--Disease Characteristics--

Documented common variable immunodeficiency defined as a reduction of serum IgG by at least 2 standard deviations

In vitro lymphocyte proliferative response to PEG-IL-2 of at least 10 times more than unstimulated cultures

--Prior/Concurrent Therapy--

No biologic response modifier therapy (i.e., interferon, cyclosporin A) except prednisone (maximum 10 mg/day)

Concurrent treatment with same dosage intravenous gamma-globulin for at least 6 months is required

--Patient Characteristics--

Life expectancy: At least 24 months

Other: Not pregnant or nursing HIV negative