title: The synergistic effects of gamma interferon and clofazimine on phagocyte function: restoration of inhibition due to a 25 kilodalton fraction from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
abstract: A 25 kDa glycolipoprotein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been shown to inhibit phagocyte functions associated with antimicrobial activity. These include the intracellular killing ability, reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium, hydrogen peroxide production and lysosyme release of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and peripheral blood monocytes. The present study undertook to investigate the synergistic effects of gamma interferon and clofazimine on restoring the inhibitory activities of the 25 kDa glycolipoprotein on these phagocyte functions. Gamma interferon and clofazimine at concentrations of 25 units/ml and 0.3 micrograms/ml acted synergistically by completely restoring all these systems. Independent use of these agents were unable to affect phagocyte functions or to restore the inhibition caused by the 25 kDa mycobacterial component. These studies indicate the possible use of these two phagocyte priming agents for the immunotherapy of tuberculosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research, Johannesburg.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Parak
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Wadee
mesh_terms: D002991:Clofazimine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009113:Muramidase / Q000378:metabolism; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D009580:Nitroblue Tetrazolium; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D009580:Nitroblue Tetrazolium; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D002991:Clofazimine; D009113:Muramidase