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Effect of azelastine on the induction of Dermatophagoides farinae (Df)-antigen specific IL-2 responsiveness of the lymphocytes was examined. Azelastine suppressed the induction of IL-2 responsiveness induced by Df antigen in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with bronchial asthma in a dose dependent manner. Azelastine suppressed antigen presenting adherent cells but not non-adherent responder cells (T cell rich fraction). The antigen specific IL-2 responsiveness induced by purified protein derivative (PPD) in healthy adults was also suppressed by this drug, but not by concanavalin A (Con A). These data suggest that Azelastine suppresses the antigen specific lymphocyte reactions, and that these effects are based on the weak suppressive effect on antigen presenting and/or processing pathway.