Immunomodulation with Synthetic Molecules: Mechanisms of Actions and Effects on Macrophages.
Abstract
Immunoenhancing drugs were studied both for their general effects on host immunity and their effects on immune interactions with microbial infections. These studies focused preferentially on defined single molecules with immunomodulating properties, and on fungi as the microbes of interest. The prototype immunomodulator studied was muramly dipeptide (MDP). We showed that MDP in vivo enhanced cellurity and mitogen responses in some lymphoid compartments (lymph nodes) and depressed responses in other (spleen). The optimum dose and interval for effect were defined, and subpopulations of the compartments were fractionated which were responsible for differences observed with different mitogens (including suppressor cells). We also showed that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) can be activated as a byproduct of an immunological reaction, and in that state have enhanced fungicidal activity and can kill some fungi which normal PMN cannot. Activation could be reproduced with lymphokines. We showed that CP46665, a lipoidal amine, in vivo enhances fungicidal activity of PMN and alveolar macrophages (AM), but had no in vitro effect. However, interferon, produced by gene cloning recombinant DNA techniques, had an adverse effect on PMN or AM antifungal activity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA135326
Entities
People
- D. A. Stevens
- E. Brummer
Organizations
- Institute for Medical Research