Potential immunological action of purine nucleoside analogues.

Purine nucleoside analogues are a new class of drugs with activity against nondividing lymphocytes; thus, they should play a major role in the treatment of low grade lymphoid malignancies. As these drugs are active against resting lymphocytes, harmful effects related to this action were expected and have been reported. However, the toxic effects on resting lymphocytes observed during treatment of lymphoid malignancies may potentially be of some benefit in patients with autoimmune diseases. To substantiate this possibility, a considerable amount of work needs to be carried out in order to better define the mechanism of action of these drugs, as well as their potential activity on different immunological effectors. Also, studies in animal models of autoimmune disease should be undertaken.