From 1985 to 1987, interleukin-2(IL-2) and gamma-interferon (r-IFN) production and natural killer (NK) cell activity were measured in 10 children suffering from active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) before and after steroid and/or immunosuppressive drug treatment. The production of IL-2 and r-IFN was decreased and NK cell cytotoxicity was also suppressed in active lupus patients. After treatment, IL-2 production and NK cell cytotoxicity returned to normal range; r-IFN production also increased, but remained lower than normal.
From 1985 to 1987, interleukin-2(IL-2) and gamma-interferon (r-IFN) production and natural killer (NK) cell activity were measured in 10 children suffering from active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) before and after steroid and/or immunosuppressive drug treatment. The production of IL-2 and r-IFN was decreased and NK cell cytotoxicity was also suppressed in active lupus patients. After treatment, IL-2 production and NK cell cytotoxicity returned to normal range; r-IFN production also increased, but remained lower than normal.