2-hydroxy-methyl-1(N-phtaloyltryptophyl) aziridine stimulates in vitro humain lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin secretion

Aim of this work: Aziridines have been shown to possess marked immunotropic activity. In this study, the in vitro effects of a new aziridine, 2-hydroxy-methyl-1-(N-phtaloyltryptophyl) aziridine, were determined on the proliferative responses of human lymphocytes stimulated by mitogens and on interleukin (IL-2, IL-6) secretion. Material and methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using differential centrifugation on a density gradient of Ficoll-Paque. They were cultured with or without mitogens (Concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide), and with different concentrations of the aziridine. Proliferation was monitored by direct cell counts and confirmed by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. After different incubations, IL-2 and IL-6 were determined by using commercially avaible Elisa kits. Results: The aziridine tested significantly stimulated the resting and mitogen T and B lymphocyte proliferation at concentrations between 1 μM and 1 mM, in a dose-dependent manner. It also increased IL-2 and IL-6 secretion. Conclusion: 2-hydroxy-methyl-1-(N-phtaloyltryptophyl) aziridine displayed immunomodulatory properties and is potentially immunostimulant. It could be used to provide non-specific cell-mediated immune responses. © 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.