title: In vitro immunopharmacologic effect of suramin on modifying Th-subset cytokine levels in splenocytes and T-cell clones: a therapeutic application for autoimmune disease.
abstract: The in vitro immunopharmacologic effect of suramin, a polysulfonated napthylurea, was examined on splenocytes and T helper (Th) 1 and 2 clones. Cytokine capture assays revealed that suramin inhibited the production of IFN-gamma, whilst IL-4 is increased in splenocytes. To examine whether suramin preferentially acts on Th cells, clones SP39A1 and SP41D5 were used. The former is a Th1 clone, whereas the latter is Th2. Suramin also inhibited IFN-gamma production by SP39A1, whilst IL-4 production by SP41D5 was enhanced. The action of suramin was of a dose-dependent nature. With regards to T cell proliferation, suramin inhibited the proliferation of both SP39A1 and SP41D5. The ability of suramin to manipulate Th subset cytokine balance can render it a feasible therapeutic agent in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Novales-Li
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002999:Clone Cells; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000819:agonists / Q000032:analysis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D013498:Suramin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D015847:Interleukin-4; D013498:Suramin; D007371:Interferon-gamma