Partial synergy of bisindolylmaleimide with apoptotic stimulus in antigen-specific T cells - implications for multiple sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis (MS), induction of T cell apoptosis constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy. Recently, bisindolylmaleimide has been shown to be an effective treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, presumably due to enhancement of CD95-mediated T cell apoptosis. Therefore, we studied the effects of bisindolylmaleimide on human (auto)antigen-specific T cells. We observed a synergistic effect of bisindolylmaleimide with apoptotic stimulus assessed via caspase activity and annexin V-binding, but no potentiation of DNA fragmentation or cell death. Thus, bisindolylmaleimide might be useful for modulating T cell apoptosis, yet more potent substances have to be generated re-establishing immunological control over auto-reactive T cells. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.