The effect of various disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on the suppressive function of CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells

Rheumatol Int. 2013 Feb;33(2):381-8. doi: 10.1007/s00296-012-2365-9. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests that defects in the function of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important in immune-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we investigated the effects of various disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on Treg function. Tregs and CD4(+)CD25(-) effector T cells (Teffs) were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from healthy adults. Isolated Tregs were cultured with the DMARDs methotrexate (MTX), sulfasalazine (SSZ), leflunomide (LEF), or infliximab (INF). We found that each DMARD had a different effect on Treg function. SSZ and LEF inhibited the anti-proliferative function of Tregs on cocultured Teffs and reduced Treg expression of Foxp3 mRNA, whereas MTX and INF did not.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / physiology
  • Antirheumatic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Isoxazoles / pharmacology
  • Leflunomide
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Methotrexate / pharmacology
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Sulfasalazine / pharmacology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Isoxazoles
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Infliximab
  • Leflunomide
  • Methotrexate