Effect of roxithromycin on T lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production elicited by mite antigen

Clinical evidence suggests that roxithromycin (RXM) may be an effective add itional therapy for bronchial asthma. However, how it interferes with aller gic responses is unclear. To investigate the mechanisms of action of RXM, l ymphocyte transformation and interferon (IFN)-gamma interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 synthesis associated with Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) mite antigen i n patients with bronchial asthma were evaluated in vitro in the presence of RXM. T cell proliferation in Df antigen-stimulated patients' lymphocytes w as suppressed by 50-100 mug/ml of RXM. Production of IL-4 and IL-5 was simi larly decreased by 1-10 mug/ml RXM, whereas, IFN-gamma production, which wa s reduced by Df-stimulation alone, was increased by 50 mug/ml RXM. Our resu lts suggest that skewed cytokine profiles of patients with mite antigen-ind uced bronchial asthma may be corrected with RXM. which may mimic those of p atients in remission, who are tolerant of Df antigen. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence B,V. All rights reserved.