Immunomodulating activities of ethylene-2,2'-bis(dithio)bis(ethanol) and related compounds. Effects on murine lymphocyte proliferation and functions in vitro.

HEDS (2-hydroxyethyl disulfide) and structurally related compounds were found to affect lymphocyte proliferation and functions in vitro. HEDS, and ADA 202-718 (ethylene-2-2'-bis(dithio)bis(ethanol], were shown to stimulate the proliferation of murine spleen cells. The growth of populations of murine T-cells (thymocytes) was not stimulated. HEDS and ADA 202-718 enhanced the allogeneic response in the mixed lymphocyte reaction and stimulated the formation of antibody producing cells in a primary humoral immune response. A similar stimulatory effect was observed in a secondary humoral response towards a T-cell specific antigen, DNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanine. Neither ADA 202-718 nor HEDS exhibited gamma-interferon inducing ability, when tested on quiescent Balb/c spleen cell cultures in absence of antigen. However, HEDS, and especially ADA 202-718 potentiated the allogen-induced gamma-interferon production and release in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Both HEDS and ADA 202-718 seemed to induce or stimulate the release of an interleukin-1-like activity as well as interleukin-2 in Balb/c spleen cells. No obvious effect, however, was seen with either compound on maturation or immune-phagocytic activity of bone-marrow derived macrophages.