In vitro effects of meropenem and imipenem/cilastatin on some functions of human natural effector cells
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Published on: December 8, 2016
P Cornacchione1, L Scaringi, E Capodicasa
1General Pathology and Immunology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
Abstract:
Meropenem, a new carbapenem antibiotic, was assessed to evaluate its effects on some functional parameters of human polymorphonuclear (PMN) and natural killer (NK) cells in comparison with imipenem/cilastatin. Both drugs significantly inhibited PMN phagocytosis and chemotaxis at concentrations of 2,000 and 4,000 microg/ml. They affected PMN microbicidal activity, evaluated against Candida albicans, only at 4,000 microg/ml. A study of the effects of both drugs on peripheral NK populations and the human NK line (NK-92) showed that even at 4,000 microg/ml there was no effect on antitumor activity. These data indicate that meropenem can reduce some PMN antimicrobial functions only at very high concentrations like imipenem/cilastatin, whereas no concentration influenced NK activity.
Insights
Meropenem and imipenem/cilastatin inhibit polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell functions at high doses. Neither antibiotic affected natural killer (NK) cell antitumor activity, even at maximum concentrations tested.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Carbapenem antibiotics are crucial for treating severe bacterial infections.
- Understanding their impact on immune cells is vital for patient outcomes.
- Meropenem is a widely used carbapenem, and its immunomodulatory effects require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of meropenem and imipenem/cilastatin on human polymorphonuclear (PMN) and natural killer (NK) cell functions.
- To assess the impact of these antibiotics on phagocytosis, chemotaxis, microbicidal activity, and NK cell antitumor functions.
Main Methods:
- Human PMN and NK cells (including the NK-92 cell line) were exposed to meropenem and imipenem/cilastatin at varying concentrations (up to 4,000 microg/ml).
- Functional assays measured PMN phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and microbicidal activity against Candida albicans.
- NK cell populations were analyzed for effects on antitumor activity.
Main Results:
- Both meropenem and imipenem/cilastatin significantly inhibited PMN phagocytosis and chemotaxis at 2,000 and 4,000 microg/ml.
- Microbicidal activity of PMNs against Candida albicans was affected only at the highest concentration (4,000 microg/ml) for both drugs.
- No significant impact on NK cell antitumor activity was observed for either antibiotic, even at 4,000 microg/ml.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem, similar to imipenem/cilastatin, impairs certain PMN antimicrobial functions only at very high concentrations.
- Neither meropenem nor imipenem/cilastatin demonstrated inhibitory effects on NK cell antitumor activity within the tested concentration range.
- These findings suggest that meropenem has a limited impact on key immune cell functions at clinically relevant concentrations.
