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. 1996 May;40(5):1294–1297. doi: 10.1128/aac.40.5.1294

In vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory effects of anti-Pneumocystis carinii drugs.

M Viora 1, A De Luca 1, A D'Ambrosio 1, A Antinori 1, E Ortona 1
PMCID: PMC163313  PMID: 8723488

Abstract

The anti-Pneumocystis carinii drug effects on mitogen-, antigen-, and interleukin-2-induced proliferative responses and on natural killer (NK) cell-mediated activity were analyzed in vivo (rats) and in vitro (normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Splenocytes derived from in vivo piritrexim- and clindamycin-treated rats showed a significant inhibition of mitogen-induced proliferative responses. In vitro exposure to clindamycin, piritrexim, and pyrimethamine caused an inhibition of human T lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogen, antigen, and interleukin-2 stimulation. Rat NK cell-mediated cytotoxic activity was not affected by the drugs, and human NK cell activity was reduced only at the highest concentration (10 micrograms/ml) of the drugs. The potential immunotoxicity of the long-term administration of these agents in humans needs further investigation.

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Selected References

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