Target cells for immunomodulatory action of muramyl dipeptide.

Identification of the target cells for the immunomodulatory action of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) was addressed by investigation of various B-cell and T-cell lines. The lines used were: IM-9, a human lymphoblastoid B-cell line that spontaneously produces IgG; EL-4, a murine T-cell line that produces interleukin-2 (IL-2) on stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate; and CTLL-2, an IL-2-dependent murine T-cell line. MDP was shown to modulate such T-cell and B-cell functions as cell proliferation and secretion of IL-2 and IgG, respectively, in vitro. The effect of MDP in vitro was determined by both MDP dose and the control level of cell activity. The evidence obtained supports the possibility of the direct action of MDP on T and B lymphocytes.