Synergistic inhibition of T cell proliferation by gold sodium thiomalate and auranofin.

Objective. Gold compounds have been employed as therapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years, but the molecular mechanism of their action is unknown. Our studies were undertaken to compare the immunosuppressive activities of parenteral gold (gold sodium thiomalate; GSTM) and orally active gold (auranofin; AF). Methods. The effects of GSTM and AF on in vitro models of human T cell activation were examined. Results. GSTM and AF were found to exert a synergistic inhibitory effect on human T lymphocyte proliferation in vitro