Recombinant interleukin-2 stimulates lymphocyte recovery in patients with severe COVID-19

A recently identified type of pneumonia, referred to as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‑2, has rapidly spread worldwide. Lymphopenia and a proinflammatory cytokine storm frequently occur in patients with COVID‑19. However, the best our knowledge, no specific immunomodulatory therapy for COVID‑19 been reported date. In present retrospective case‑control study, potential therapeutic effect recombinant human interleukin‑2 (rIL‑2) was demonstrated. total 59 were admitted Union Hospital Tongji Medical College (Wuhan, China) between 29th January 2020 February included study. total, 20 received subcutaneous injection rIL‑2 (1 million IU per day) 7‑10 days addition regular treatment classified group. Furthermore, 39 receiving treatment, without intervention rIL‑2, matched control Patients these two groups subjected propensity score matching terms clinical characteristics such age, sex, symptoms, signs, laboratory data comorbidities. Changes lymphocyte count, well IL‑6 C‑reactive protein (CRP) levels, analyzed at time admission discharge any differences non‑rIL‑2 determined. The results demonstrated an increase count decrease CRP levels group compared that difference change statistically significant (P<0.01). Although decreased greater extent group, not (P>0.05). Collectively, suggested administration may be prospective adjuvant its effects mediated increasing numbers.