Effects of tenidap and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on the response of cultured human T cells to interleukin 2 in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To assess the effects of tenidap, a new oxindole class antiinflammatory compound, on the proliferative response of cultured T cells to interleukin 2 (IL-2); and to compare these effects with the antiinflammatory drugs ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, piroxicam, and sulindac. Methods. T cells were cultured with either tenidap, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam, or sulindac in the presence of IL-2, then assayed for incorporation of tritiated thymidine. Results. Tenidap, ibuprofen, and naproxen, at therapeutically attainable concentrations, significantly inhibited the proliferative response of T cells to IL-2. In contrast, indomethacin, piroxicam, and sulindac did not alter this response. Tenidap had a direct inhibitory effect on the response of activated T cells to IL-2. Both ibuprofen and naproxen interfered with the binding of IL-2 to T cells. Conclusion. These results suggest variable effects of different antiinflammatory drugs on lymphocyte function that may relate to the differential effectiveness of these drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.