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The effect of levamisole on cell-mediated immunity and suppressor cell function
Cancer Research
|March 1, 1976
Summary
Levamisole, an immunopotentiating drug, stimulates human lymphocyte responses in vitro. However, it non-specifically enhances lymphocyte function, even augmenting suppressor cell activity at higher doses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Levamisole is known as an immunopotentiating drug.
- Its effects on human lymphocyte responses require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of levamisole on human lymphocyte responses in vitro.
- To test the hypothesis that levamisole augments immune responses by impairing immunoregulatory suppressor activity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of human lymphocyte responses to allogeneic cells and plant mitogens.
- Dose-response studies with levamisole.
- Evaluation of levamisole's effect on human splenic and thymic suppressor cells.
Main Results:
- Levamisole augmented human lymphocyte responses to allogeneic cells and mitogens in a dose-dependent manner.
- High doses of levamisole resulted in suppression, not augmentation, of immune responses.
- Contrary to the hypothesis, levamisole augmented suppressor cell activity.
Conclusions:
- Levamisole acts as a nonspecific stimulator of lymphocyte function.
- The drug's effect is independent of the specific role of lymphocytes in the immune response.