IL-2 receptor-targeted cytolytic IL-2/Fc fusion protein treatment blocks diabetogenic autoimmunity in nonobese diabetic mice

High affinity IL-2R⁵ is present on recently activated but not on resting or memory T cells. Selective targeting of T cells bearing high affinity IL-2R is an attractive therapy for many T cell-dependent cytopathic disease processes. A variety of rodent mAbs directed against the α-chain of the IL-2R, as well as IL-2 fusion toxins, have been used in animals and humans to achieve selective immunosuppression. Here we report on the development of a novel IL-2R targeting agent, a cytolytic chimeric IL-2/Fc fusion protein. This immunoligand binds specifically and with high affinity to IL-2R and is structurally capable of recruiting host Ab-dependent cell- mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity activities. The Ig component ensures an extended circulating t(1/2) of 25 h following systemic administration. To subsequently explore the mechanisms of the antidiabetogenic effects of IL-2/Fc, we have mutated the FcR binding and complement C1q binding (Fc(-/-)) domains of the Fc fragment to render the Fc unable to direct Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement- dependent cytotoxicity activities. In a model of passive transfer of diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice, lytic IL-2/Fc, but not nonlytic IL-2/Fc(-/-), exhibited striking antidiabetogenic effects. Together with the negligible potential of IL-2/Fc for immunogenicity, this finding forecasts that cytolytic IL-2/Fc may offer a new therapeutic approach for selective targeting of auto and alloimmune T cells.