CHANGES IN TNF AND IL-6 PRODUCTION AFTER DIPHTHERIA TOXOID VACCINATION - DRUG MODULATION OF THE CYTOKINE LEVELS

RIE effect of vaccination with diphtheria toxoid (AD-M) on TNF and IL- 6 production has been studied in humans. In the present study it was d emonstrated that immunization with AD-M resulted in changes of in vitr o TNF and IL-6 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. TNF r elease was suppressed but IL-6 production was stimulated. On the other hand, serum levels of TNF were markedly Increased over a period of 3 weeks. It was also demonstrated that the postvaccinal cytokine product ion disturbances may be corrected by pretreatment with a new synthetic hexapeptid (Imunofan(R)). It is possible that the imunofan treatment could prevent some postvaccinal complications.