Synthetic indole Mannich bases: Their ability to modulate in vitro cellular immunity

[Display omitted] •Indole Mannich base derivatives.•ROS.•Nitric oxide.•Cytokine inhibition. The synthetic indole Mannich bases 1–13 have been investigated for their ability to modulate immune responses measured in vitro. These activities were based on monitoring their affects on T-lymphocyte proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), IL (interleukin)-2, IL-4, and nitric oxide production. Compound 5 was found to be the most potent immunomodulator in this context. Four of the synthesized compounds, 5, 11, 12, and 13, have significant potent inhibitory effects on T-cell proliferation, IL-4, and nitric oxide production. However, none of the thirteen indole compounds exerted any activity against ROS production.