The effects of mycophenolate acid on the immune function and NF-κB expression of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

Objective To evaluate the effects of mycophenolate acid (MPA),the active metabolite of MMF in vivo,on immun function and NF-κB expression of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Methods Cultured DCs were treated with MPA at doses of 0.01and 0.1μmol/L. The antigen presentation and allostimulatory activities of the DCs on allogeneic T cells were tested by 3H-TdR incorporation and mixed lymphocyte reaction respectively. The expression of NF-κB p50 in DCs was measured with Western blot. Results DCs cultured in the presence of MPA exhibited weaker activity of stimulating the proliferation of allogeneic T cells and antigen presenting function. The protein expression of NF-κB p50 was found decreased in DCs treated with MPA in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion MPA exerts a negative effect on immune function of cultured DCs in vitro,which is associated with a decreased NF-κB activity.