Hydroxychloroquine preferentially induces apoptosis of CD45RO+ effector T cells by inhibiting autophagy: a possible mechanism for therapeutic modulation of T cells

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 May;131(5):1443-6.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.02.026. Epub 2013 Mar 28.

Abstract

Although hydroxychloroquine is used for treatment of numerous autoimmune disorders the mechanism is unclear. We here demonstrate that hydroxychloroquine preferentially induces apoptosis of CD45RO+ memory and effector T cells by inhibiting the survival pathway of autophagy.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis / immunology
  • Autophagy / drug effects*
  • Autophagy / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / pharmacology*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens