The inhibitory effects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on MHC class II expression by monocytes activated with riminophenazines and phagocyte stimulants.

The expression of MHC class II antigens by peripheral blood monocytes from normal individuals was investigated. Class II expression as determined by a cell ELISA was effectively induced by various phagocyte stimulants. A further aspect of our study investigated the effects of clofazimine, a riminophenazine antimicrobial agent and its analogue, B669, on class II expression. Both agents at concentrations attainable in vivo increased the expression of MHC class II antigens. A 25-kD glycolipoprotein derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that inhibits phagocyte functions has previously been described. This component significantly reduced the expression of MHC class II antigens induced by the riminophenazines, clofazimine and B669, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or opsonised yeast when added at the initiation of experiments. The riminophenazines could not restore the decrease in class II antigen expression previously inhibited by the 25-kD mycobacterial fraction. However, cultures prestimulated with the riminophenazines or phagocyte stimulants were unaffected by the 25-kD mycobacterial fraction. The results suggest the potential use of these agents as modulators of phagocyte function.