Cytokines in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency

Abstract

Cytokines have great potential in the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies, which is just beginning to be realized. We discuss some general considerations in the use of cytokines in this setting, and review the clinical use of a number of cytokines. The best proven example to date is the use of interferon-gamma in chronic granulomatous disease, which significantly reduces infectious complications of this disease. We also discuss the potential use of interferon-gamma in the hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome and in newborns. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor usage in congenital neutropenias is reviewed. The use of IL-2, thymic hormones, and interferon-alpha are briefly discussed. Strategies for the design of clinical trials of cytokines in these uncommon illnesses are proposed.