Effect of lactacystin and β-lactacystin on the activation and proliferation of T-lymphocytes

AIM: To evaluate the effects of lactacystin (LAC) and β-lactacystin (β-LAC), proteasome inhibitor, on the proliferation and activation of T lymphocytes. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to analyse the proliferation and the expression of CD69, CD25 and CD3 in PHA activated T-lymphocytes. Furthermore, the expression of PA28 and IL-2 mRNA were assayed by competitive RT-PCR. RESULTS: (1) LAC and β-LAC significantly decreased the incorporation in PHA activated T-lymphocytes. (2) Although LAC and β-LAC did not affect the expression of CD69 at any time, they significantly inhibited the expression of CD25 (48 h, 72 h, P＜0.05). (3) In comparison with control, LAC and β-LAC significantly down-regulated the expression of PA28 and IL-2 mRNA (48 h, 72 h, P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS: LAC and β-LAC significantly inhibit the proliferation and activation of T lymphocytes. Mechanisms involved are inhibition of CD25 and down-regulation of PA28 and IL-2 mRNA expression.