Evaluating the impact of hydroxychloroquine on mouse lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production in vivo and in vitro

Immunomodulatory drugs can alter lymphocyte function. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is prescribed for many autoimmune diseases and is under investigation as an anti-tumor autophagy inhibitor. Here, we describe a protocol to evaluate the influence of HCQ on lymphocyte function by measuring the in vitro and ex vivo proliferation and cytokine production. The protocol can provide insights into potential immunomodulatory effects of HCQ and can be used for assessing other medications' effects on lymphocyte functions. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wabitsch et al. (2021). [Display omitted] •Evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo effects of HCQ on mouse lymphocyte function•Assess the immunomodulatory features of hydroxychloroquine•Experimental framework to assess the immunomodulatory features of other reagents•Studies of lymphocyte function can be completed within 10 days Immunomodulatory drugs can alter lymphocyte function. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is prescribed for many autoimmune diseases and is under investigation as an anti-tumor autophagy inhibitor. Here, we describe a protocol to evaluate the influence of HCQ on lymphocyte function by measuring the in vitro and ex vivo proliferation and cytokine production. The protocol can provide insights into potential immunomodulatory effects of HCQ and can be used for assessing other medications' effects on lymphocyte functions.