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The synergistic effects of gamma interferon and clofazimine on phagocyte function: Restoration of inhibition due to a 25 kilodalton fraction fromMycobacterium tuberculosis

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Biotherapy

Abstract

A 25 kDa glycolipoprotein fromMycobacterium tuberculosis has been shown to inhibit phagocyte functions associated with antimicrobial activity. These include the intracellular killing ability, reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium, hydrogen peroxide production and lysosyme release of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and peripheral blood monocytes. The present study undertook to investigate the synergistic effects of gamma interferon and clofazimine on restoring the inhibitory activities of the 25 kDa glycolipoprotein on these phagocyte functions. Gamma interferon and clofazimine at concentrations of 25 units/ml and 0.3μg/ml acted synergistically by completely restoring all these systems. Independent use of these agents were unable to affect phagocyte functions or to restore the inhibition caused by the 25 kDa mycobacterial component. These studies indicate the possible use of these two phagocyte priming agents for the immunotherapy of tuberculosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Immunology, School of Pathology of the South African Institute for Medical Research and the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Ruquyya B. Parak &  Ahmed A. Wadee

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  1. Ruquyya B. Parak
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  2. Ahmed A. Wadee
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Parak, R.B., Wadee, A.A. The synergistic effects of gamma interferon and clofazimine on phagocyte function: Restoration of inhibition due to a 25 kilodalton fraction fromMycobacterium tuberculosis . Biotherapy 3, 265–272 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02171691

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02171691

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