Exogenous IL-2 controls the balance in Th1, Th17, and Treg cell distribution in patients with progressive rheumatoid arthritis treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been suggested to control Treg/Th17 balance. Recently, we reported a relationship of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity/progression with irreversible systemic Treg and Th1 defects including serum IL-2 shortage. Herein, we explore the role of in vitro stimulation with rIL-2 in the observed immune alterations reversal.