S. aureus-induced B cell proliferation as a model for studying the effectiveness of immunosuppressive agents

S. aureus Cowan-induced proliferation of human T lymphocytes was used as a model for evaluating the activity of most common immunosuppressants (steroids, cyclosporine and azathioprine). Methylprednisolone was found to be the most efficient steroid, followed by hydrocortisone and dexamethasone. Cyclosporine (CsA) was a potent inhibitor acting early after B cell stimulation. Azathioprine was found to have low effect on B cell activation.