In vitro effect of cefoxitin on phagocytic function and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in human neutrophils

The effects in vitro of Cefoxitin, a beta-lactam antibiotic, at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml (similar to a therapeutic level in plasma) on each step of the phagocytic process, in addition to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of blood peripheral human neutrophils have been studied. The antibiotic produced a significant stimulation of adherence capacity, chemotaxis, attachment of Candida albicans to neutrophils and phagocytosis of Candida albicans (with serum, decomplemented serum or without serum), ingestion of inert particles (latex beads), microbicidal activity, and digestion capacity of the ingested material [measured by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction]. Moreover, cefoxitin (50 micrograms/ml) demonstrated chemoattractant activity for neutrophils. ADCC was also increased by this antimicrobial agent. These results therefore suggest that a therapeutic concentration of cefoxitin may enhance microbicidal and cytotoxic functions of a pivotal human phagocytic cell: the neutrophil.