Anti-inflammatory Effects of First-line Anti-arthritic Drugs on T-cell Activation

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.