Compositions and methods directed to enhancing the effectiveness of IL-2 in stimulating the immune system is disclosed. According to one method, an antagonist directed against the CD25 subunit of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor complex is administered in conjunction with IL-2. The CD25 antagonist may be an anti-CD25 antibody. According to another method, an anti-IL-2 antibody is administered in conjunction with IL-2. In another method, a mutant IL-2 with diminished ability to bind the CD25 subunit of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor complex is administered. In another method, an CD4 antagonist is administered in conjunction with IL-2 in order to stimulate the immune system.