Potential of rifamides to inhibit TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation

Rifamides are important components in the treatment of tuberculosis. However, it is well documented that these drugs can have immunosuppressive activity, a property of these drugs that is particularly relevant to AIDS patients. In this study, we have shown that a number of rifamide analogues have the potential to block tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- or phorbol myristate acetate-induced NF-kappaB activation. As TNF is important in the host defence against tuberculosis, suppression of this activity may provide a potential mechanism of rifamide immunosuppressive activity.