Affiliation:
1. Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
2. Department of Rheumatology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, 2145, Australia
Abstract
Aim:
The in vitro effects of commonly used first-line anti-arthritic drugs on early stages
of T-cell activation were examined.
Methods:
The 2B4.11 murine T cell hybridoma cell line recognizing pigeon cytochrome c (PCC)
as the antigen was co-cultured with the histocompatible antigen presenting B cell hybridoma line
LK35.2, PCC, and anti-arthritic drugs, including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, salazopyrine,
cyclosporin, and leflunomide. After 16 hours of incubation, the supernatant was removed, and
cytokines were assayed.
Results:
Anti-arthritic drugs inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-6,
IFN-γ, GM-CSF, and TNF-α (Th1 cytokines) to a varying extent. Surprisingly, leflunomide, salazopyrine,
prednisone and indomethacin as well as blocking Th1 cytokines, stimulated the production
of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, a Th2 cytokine.
Conclusion:
Anti-arthritic medications can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
and in some cases, incite a Th2 response that could potentially inhibit the progression of the immune
response.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Pharmacology,General Medicine,Immunology,Immunology and Allergy