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