The topical glucocorticoids beclomethasone dipropionate and fluticasone propionate inhibit human T-cell allergen-induced production of IL-5, IL-3 andGM-CSF mRNA and protein

Background T-cell production of eosinophil-active cytokines (IL-5, IL-3, GM -CSF) is thought to be fundamental to asthma pathogenesis. Inhaled aeroalle rgens may be one important stimulus for T-cell cytokine production in asthm a. Objective To compare the potency and efficacy of the topical anti-asthma gl ucocorticoids beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and fluticasone propionate (FP) in inhibiting allergen-driven peripheral blood T-cell proliferation an d production of IL-3, IL-5 and GMCSF mRNA and protein. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from six atopic asthmatics sensi tized to house dust mite (HDM) were cultured in the presence of HDM and ser ial dilutions of BDP or FP in vitro. Cellular proliferation (7 days) and cu lture supernatant cytokine concentrations (6 days) were measured by uptake of tritiated thymidine and ELISA, respectively. Cytokine mRNA expression (2 4 h) was measured in three subjects using a quantitative PCR technique. Results Both BDP and FP inhibited allergen-induced T-cell proliferation, ex pression of IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF mRNA, and secretion of the corresponding proteins in a concentration-dependent fashion. FP was considerably more pot ent, but not more efficacious, in exerting these actions. Conclusions Both BDP and FP have the potential markedly to inhibit allergen -induced T-cell production of asthma-relevant cytokines. This activity is e ffected at the level of T-cell proliferation and cytokine gene transcriptio n. These properties may be key features of the anti-asthma activity of thes e drugs. The greater potency of FP in vitro may be responsible for its grea ter clinical potency.