Posttranscriptional Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid Antiproliferative Effects: Glucocorticoids Inhibit IL-6-Induced Proliferation of B9 Hybridoma Cells

Abstract

Sulfonamides, used for the treatment of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, are associated with a high incidence of adverse drug events, including severe hypersensitivity reactions. Imbalances in the production and detoxification of reactive sulfonamide metabolites have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these life-threatening reactions. The hydroxylamine metabolite of sulfamethoxazole (SMX-HA) inhibits the proliferation of mitogen-stimulatedperipheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitrowithout reducing Interleukin 2 (IL-2) expression. We investigated the effects of SMX-HA on accessory cytokine expression and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) mediated signal transduction. SMX-HA did not reduce significantly mRNA production of proinflammatory [WXPRU QHFURVLV IDFWRU . (TNF-.) and IL- @ 7K -type (IFN- DQG 7K -type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Sublethal concentrations of SMX-HA (25 μM) reduced significantly the production of TNF-. ,/- , and IL4 protein without inhibiting the production of IFN-γ 7KLV ILQGLQJ VXJJHVWV WKDW H[SRVXUH WR SMX-HA might direct a response towards a Th-1 vs. a Th-2 response. Immunoblot analysis of IL-2R-mediated Janus kinases and signal transduction activators of transcription (Jak-Stat) signal transduction revealed diminished phosphorylation of Jak1 and Jak3 and inhibited downstream phosphorylation of Stat3, Stat5a, and IL-2Rγ in phytohemagglutinin/rIL-2 activated PBMCs treated with SMX-HA. SMX-HA did not inhibit Jak association with IL-2Rγ or IL- 5 7KHVH data illustrated that sublethal concentrations of SMX-HA interfere with IL-2R–mediated signal transduction, resulting in altered cytokine production and inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.