Cyclosporin A inhibits the delayed-type hypersensitivity effector function of T lymphocytes without affecting their clonal expansion.
The effect of an immunosuppressor, cyclosporin A (CsA), on the induction by sheep erythrocytes of T cells mediating the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction was investigated using a quantitative assay of DTH-mediating T lymphocytes. CsA administration did not affect their clonal expansion following immunization. The frequency of the DTH-mediating T cells was not significantly different in mice sensitized by antigens in the presence or absence of CsA. However, CsA interfered with expression of effector function of DTH-mediating T lymphocytes by impairing the production of pro-inflammatory factor(s). Resting T cells as well as blast T cells were sensitive to this inhibitory effect of CsA.
D000818:Animals; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012756:Sheep / Q000276:immunology; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
D003524:Cyclosporins