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Terfenadine and fexofenadine reduce in vitro ICAM-1 expression on human continuous cell lines
F Paolieri1, M Battifora, A M Riccio
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy.
Background:
Epithelial cells and fibroblasts play an important role in allergic inflammation. Modulation of surface expression of adhesion molecules on epithelial cells by antiallergic drugs has been shown by both in vivo and in vitro studies.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect exerted by terfenadine and fexofenadine on adhesion molecules expression (CD54/ICAM-1 and CD29) of a human continuously cultured conjunctival epithelial cell line (WK) and a fibroblast cell line (HEL).
Methods:
By means of flow cytometry analysis, we evaluated ICAM-1 and CD29 expression by WK and HEL epithelial cells in basal condition (at baseline) or after IFN gamma or TNF alpha stimulation in the presence or in the absence of terfenadine and fexofenadine. We also performed immunoenzymatic assays in order to evaluate soluble ICAM-1 released by WK cells and procollagen type I and III and IL6 released by HEL cells.
Results:
Terfenadine and fexofenadine significantly reduced ICAM-1 basal expression on WK cells at the concentration of 1 microg/mL and 50 microg/mL, respectively. In addition, both terfenadine and fexofenadine were able to decrease soluble ICAM-1 levels in IFN gamma-stimulated WK cells. On HEL fibroblasts, fexofenadine only was able to inhibit ICAM-1 upregulation induced by IFN gamma. Concerning the release of fibroblast products, we observed a dose-dependent decrease of spontaneous IL6 release only in the presence of fexofenadine.
Conclusion:
This study shows that terfenadine and fexofenadine exert a biologic effect directly on epithelial cells and fibroblasts reducing ICAM-1 expression and partially reducing soluble ICAM-1 release.
Insights
Terfenadine and fexofenadine reduce allergic inflammation markers like ICAM-1 on epithelial cells and fibroblasts. These antihistamines demonstrate direct biological effects on these cells, impacting inflammatory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epithelial cells and fibroblasts are key players in allergic inflammation.
- Antiallergic drugs can modulate adhesion molecule expression on epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of terfenadine and fexofenadine on adhesion molecules (CD54/ICAM-1, CD29) in human conjunctival epithelial cells (WK) and fibroblasts (HEL).
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to assess ICAM-1 and CD29 expression on WK and HEL cells under basal and stimulated conditions (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) with or without terfenadine/fexofenadine.
- Immunoenzymatic assays measured soluble ICAM-1, procollagen types I/III, and IL-6 release from WK and HEL cells.
Main Results:
- Terfenadine and fexofenadine significantly reduced basal ICAM-1 expression on WK cells.
- Both drugs decreased soluble ICAM-1 in IFN-gamma-stimulated WK cells.
- Fexofenadine inhibited IFN-gamma-induced ICAM-1 upregulation on HEL fibroblasts and reduced spontaneous IL-6 release.
Conclusions:
- Terfenadine and fexofenadine directly impact epithelial cells and fibroblasts.
- These drugs reduce ICAM-1 expression and partially decrease soluble ICAM-1 release, suggesting a role in managing allergic inflammation.