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Chen Y, Wang J, Zou L, Cao H, Ni X, Xiao J. Dietary proanthocyanidins on gastrointestinal health and the interactions with gut microbiota. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:6285-6308. [PMID: 35114875 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2030296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many epidemiological and experimental studies have consistently reported the beneficial effects of dietary proanthocyanidins (PAC) on improving gastrointestinal physiological functions. This review aims to present a comprehensive perspective by focusing on structural properties, interactions and gastrointestinal protection of PAC. In brief, the main findings of this review are summarized as follows: (1) Structural features are critical factors in determining the bioavailability and subsequent pharmacology of PAC; (2) PAC and/or their bacterial metabolites can play a direct role in the gastrointestinal tract through their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties; (3) PAC can reduce the digestion, absorption, and bioavailability of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids by interacting with them or their according enzymes and transporters in the gastrointestinal tract; (4). PAC showed a prebiotic-like effect by interacting with the microflora in the intestinal tract, and the enhancement of PAC on a variety of probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. could be associated with potential benefits to human health. In conclusion, the potential effects of PAC in prevention and alleviation of gastrointestinal diseases are remarkable but clinical evidence is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Laboratory of Food Oral Processing, School of Food Science & Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, Ourense, Spain
| | - Xiaoling Ni
- Pancreatic Cancer Group, General Surgery Department, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Plant-Derived Chinese Medicine Monomers on Ovarian Cancer via the Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling Pathway: Review of Mechanisms and Prospects. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:6852867. [PMID: 34912456 PMCID: PMC8668291 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6852867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. The progression and metastasis of OC are complex and involve multiple signaling pathways. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely related to OC, and therefore blocking the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling directly or inhibiting related genes, and molecular targets is of great value in treating OC. Toxicities such as myelotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, genotoxicity, and vasospasm are the major side effects for common anticancer drugs and are well documented. There is, therefore, a need to develop new, effective, safer, and more affordable anticancer drugs from alternative sources. In recent years, plant-derived Chinese medicine monomers have drawn increasing attention due to their high safety, low toxicity, minimal side effects, and antitumor effects. Plant-derived Chinese medicine monomers are effective against multiple targets and can regulate the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of OC as well as reverse drug resistance by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize and provide mechanisms and prospects for the use of plant-derived Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of OC.
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Andersen-Civil AIS, Arora P, Williams AR. Regulation of Enteric Infection and Immunity by Dietary Proanthocyanidins. Front Immunol 2021; 12:637603. [PMID: 33717185 PMCID: PMC7943737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.637603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of dietary components in immune function has acquired considerable attention in recent years. An important focus area is to unravel the role of bioactive dietary compounds in relation to enteric disease and their impact on gut mucosal immunity. Proanthocyanidins (PAC) are among the most common and most consumed dietary polyphenols, and are characterised by their variable molecular structures and diverse bioactivities. In particular, their anti-oxidative effects and ability to modulate gut microbiota have been widely described. However, there is limited evidence on the mechanism of action of PAC on the immune system, nor is it clearly established how PAC may influence susceptibility to enteric infections. Establishing the sites of action of PAC and their metabolites within the gut environment is fundamental to determine the applicability of PAC against enteric pathogens. Some mechanistic studies have shown that PAC have direct modulatory effects on immune cell signalling, isolated pathogens, and gut mucosal barrier integrity. Boosting the recruitment of immune cells and suppressing the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines are modulating factors regulated by PAC, and can either be beneficial or detrimental in the course of re-establishing gut homeostasis. Herein, we review how PAC may alter distinct immune responses towards enteric bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, and how the modulation of gut microbiota may act as a mediating factor. Furthermore, we discuss how future studies could help unravel the role of PAC in preventing and/or alleviating intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis caused by enteric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey I S Andersen-Civil
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Pankaj Arora
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Hedges JF, Jutila MA. Harnessing γδ T Cells as Natural Immune Modulators. MUCOSAL VACCINES 2020. [PMCID: PMC7150015 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-811924-2.00046-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Schepetkin IA, Ramstead AG, Kirpotina LN, Voyich JM, Jutila MA, Quinn MT. Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from Epilobium Angustifolium (Fireweed). Phytother Res 2016; 30:1287-97. [PMID: 27215200 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilobium angustifolium is a medicinal plant used around the world in traditional medicine for the treatment of many disorders and ailments. Experimental studies have demonstrated that Epilobium extracts possess a broad range of pharmacological and therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties. Flavonoids and ellagitannins, such as oenothein B, are among the compounds considered to be the primary biologically active components in Epilobium extracts. In this review, we focus on the biological properties and the potential clinical usefulness of oenothein B, flavonoids, and other polyphenols derived from E. angustifolium. Understanding the biochemical properties and therapeutic effects of polyphenols present in E. angustifolium extracts will benefit further development of therapeutic treatments from this plant. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor A Schepetkin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Andrew G Ramstead
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Liliya N Kirpotina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Jovanka M Voyich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Mark A Jutila
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Mark T Quinn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
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Ramstead AG, Schepetkin IA, Todd K, Loeffelholz J, Berardinelli JG, Quinn MT, Jutila MA. Aging influences the response of T cells to stimulation by the ellagitannin, oenothein B. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 26:367-77. [PMID: 25887271 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Several plant extracts, including certain polyphenols, prime innate lymphocytes and enhance responses to secondary stimuli. Oenothein B, a polyphenol isolated from Epilobium angustifolium and other plant sources, enhances IFNγ production by both bovine and human NK cells and T cells, alone and in response to secondary stimulation by cytokines or tumor cells. Innate immune cell responsiveness is known to be affected by aging, but whether polyphenol responses by these cells are also impacted by aging is not known. Therefore, we examined oenothein B responsiveness in T cells from cord blood, young, and adult donors. We found that oenothein B stimulates bovine and human T cells from individuals over a broad range of ages, as measured by increased IL-2Rα and CD69 expression. However, clear differences in induction of cytokine production by T cells were seen. In T cells from human cord blood and bovine calves, oenothein B was unable to induce IFNγ production. However, oenothein B induced IFNγ production by T cells from adult humans and cattle. In addition, oenothein B induced GM-CSF production by human adult T cells, but not cord blood T cells. Within the responsive T cell population, we found that CD45RO+ memory T cells expressed more cytokines in response to oenothein B than CD45RO- T cells. In summary, our data suggest that the immunostimulation of T cells by oenothein B is influenced by age, particularly with respect to immune cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Ramstead
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | - Igor A Schepetkin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | - Kimberly Todd
- Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | | | - James G Berardinelli
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | - Mark T Quinn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | - Mark A Jutila
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States.
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Park JC, Lee SH, Hong JK, Cho JH, Kim IH, Park SK. Effect of dietary supplementation of procyanidin on growth performance and immune response in pigs. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2014; 27:131-9. [PMID: 25049935 PMCID: PMC4093277 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2013.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of procyanidin on growth performance, blood characteristics, and immune function in growing pigs. In experiment 1 (Exp. 1), thirty-two crossbred pigs with an initial BW of 19.2±0.3 kg were allocated into 4 treatments for an 8-wk experiment: i) CON (basal diet), ii) MOS 0.1 (basal diet+0.1% mannanoligosaccharide), iii) Pro-1 (basal diet+0.01% procyanidin), and iv) Pro-2 (basal diet+0.02% procyanidin). Pigs fed Pro-1 and Pro-2 diets had greater (p<0.05) gain:feed ratio compared with those fed CON or MOS 0.1 diets. Serum creatinine concentration was less (p<0.05) in Pro-2 treatment than those in CON, MOS 0.1 and Pro-1 treatments. In Exp. 2, twelve pigs (BW 13.4±1.3 kg) received basal diet with i) 0 (CON), ii) 0.02% (Pro-0.02%), and iii) 0.04% procyanidin (Pro-0.04%) for 4 wk. Concentration of platelets was lower (p<0.05) in the Pro-0.04% group compared to CON at 24 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In addition, secretion of cytokines from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence or absence of procyanidin was examined. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were lower (p<0.05) in Pro (LPS-stimulated PBMCs+procyanidin) than those in CON (LPS-stimulated PBMCs+PBS) at 4 h after LPS challenge. These data suggest that dietary addition of procyanidin improves feed efficiency and anti-inflammatory cytokines of pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Park
- National Institute of Animal Science, R.D.A., Suwon 441-706, Korea
| | - S H Lee
- National Institute of Animal Science, R.D.A., Suwon 441-706, Korea
| | - J K Hong
- National Institute of Animal Science, R.D.A., Suwon 441-706, Korea
| | - J H Cho
- National Institute of Animal Science, R.D.A., Suwon 441-706, Korea
| | - I H Kim
- National Institute of Animal Science, R.D.A., Suwon 441-706, Korea
| | - S K Park
- National Institute of Animal Science, R.D.A., Suwon 441-706, Korea
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Snyder DT, Robison A, Kemoli S, Kimmel E, Holderness J, Jutila MA, Hedges JF. Oral delivery of oligomeric procyanidins in Apple Poly® enhances type I IFN responses in vivo. J Leukoc Biol 2014; 95:841-847. [PMID: 24421266 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0513296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I IFN signaling is a central pathway that provides critical innate protection from viral and bacterial infection and can have regulatory outcomes in inflammatory settings. We determined previously that OPCs contained in the dietary supplement APP enhanced responses to type I IFN in vitro. Here, we confirm that OPCs from two different sources significantly increased pSTAT1, whereas a monomeric form of procyanidin did not. We hypothesized that similar responses could be induced in vivo following ingestion of APP. Ingestion of APP before injection of polyI:C enhanced in vivo responses to type I IFNs in mice. When human subjects ingested APP, enhanced responses to type I IFN and enhanced pSTAT1 ex vivo were detected, whereas ingestion of RES, a monomeric polyphenol, induced minimal such changes. Polyphenols are best known for induction of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses; however, our findings suggest a unique, nonantioxidant aspect of OPCs that is broadly applicable to many disease settings. The capacity of oral OPCs to enhance type I IFN signaling in vivo can augment innate protection and may, in part, contribute to the noted anti-inflammatory outcome of ingestion of OPCs from many sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deann T Snyder
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Amanda Robison
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Sharon Kemoli
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Emily Kimmel
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Jeff Holderness
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Mark A Jutila
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Jodi F Hedges
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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Mensikova M, Stepanova H, Faldyna M. Interleukin-17 in veterinary animal species and its role in various diseases: A review. Cytokine 2013; 64:11-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Hedges JF, Kimmel E, Snyder DT, Jerome M, Jutila MA. Solute carrier 11A1 is expressed by innate lymphocytes and augments their activation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:4263-73. [PMID: 23509347 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Solute carrier 11A1 (SLC11A1) is a divalent ion transporter formerly known as the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP1) and the Bcg/Lsh/Ity locus. SLC11A1 was thought to be exclusively expressed in monocyte/macrophages and to have roles in phagosome maturation and cell activation. We characterized the expression of SLC11A1 in the majority of human and bovine γδ T cells and NK cells and in human CD3(+)CD45RO(+) T cells. Consistent with a role for iron-dependent inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases, SLC11A1(+) lymphocytes were more prone to activation and retained tyrosine phosphorylation. Transfection of SLC11A1 into a human γδ T cell-like line rendered the cells more prone to activation. Nonadherent splenocytes from wild-type mice expressed significantly greater IFN-γ compared with cells from Sv/129 (SLC11A1(-/-)) mice. Our data suggest that SLC11A1 has a heretofore unknown role in activation of a large subset of innate lymphocytes that are critical sources of IFN-γ. SLC11A1(+) animals have enhanced innate IFN-γ expression in response to Salmonella infection compared with SLC11A1(-) mice, which include commonly used inbred laboratory mice. Expression of SLC11A1 in innate lymphocytes and its role in augmenting their activation may account for inconsistencies in studies of innate lymphocytes in different animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi F Hedges
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA.
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Holderness J, Hedges JF, Ramstead A, Jutila MA. Comparative biology of γδ T cell function in humans, mice, and domestic animals. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2013; 1:99-124. [PMID: 25387013 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-031412-103639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells are a functionally heterogeneous population and contribute to many early immune responses. The majority of their activity is described in humans and mice, but the immune systems of all jawed vertebrates include the γδ T cell lineage. Although some aspects of γδ T cells vary between species, critical roles in early immune responses are often conserved. Common features of γδ T cells include innate receptor expression, antigen presentation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. Herein we compare studies describing these conserved γδ T cell functions and other, potentially unique, functions. γδ T cells are well documented for their potential immunotherapeutic properties; however, these proposed therapies are often focused on human diseases and the mouse models thereof. This review consolidates some of these studies with those in other animals to provide a consensus for the current understanding of γδ T cell function across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Holderness
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717; , , ,
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Ramstead AG, Schepetkin IA, Quinn MT, Jutila MA. Oenothein B, a cyclic dimeric ellagitannin isolated from Epilobium angustifolium, enhances IFNγ production by lymphocytes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50546. [PMID: 23226309 PMCID: PMC3511557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oenothein B is a polyphenol isolated from Epilobium angustifolium and other plant sources, which has been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory properties. Oenothein B is known to activate myeloid cells and induce the production of IL-1 and other cytokines. However, its effects on lymphocytes are unknown. In this report, we show that oenothein B stimulated innate lymphocytes, including bovine and human γδ T cells and NK cells, resulting in either increased CD25 and/or CD69 expression. We also demonstrate that oenothein B enhanced the production of interferon-γ (IFNγ) by bovine and human NK cells alone and in combination with interleukin-18 (IL-18), a response not observed with other commonly studied polyphenols. Furthermore, we demonstrate that oenothein B enhanced the production of IFNγ by human T cells. Since IFNγ contributes to antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral cell responses, these data suggest an additional mechanism that could account, at least in part, for the immune enhancing properties of oenothein B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Ramstead
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Igor A. Schepetkin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Mark T. Quinn
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Jutila
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Defining the nature of human γδ T cells: a biographical sketch of the highly empathetic. Cell Mol Immunol 2012; 10:21-9. [PMID: 23085947 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2012.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The elusive task of defining the character of γδ T cells has been an evolving process for immunologists since stumbling upon their existence during the molecular characterization of the α and β T cell receptor genes of their better understood brethren. Defying the categorical rules used to distinctly characterize lymphocytes as either innate or adaptive in nature, γδ T cells inhabit a hybrid world of their own. At opposing ends of the simplified spectrum of modes of antigen recognition used by lymphocytes, natural killer and αβ T cells are particularly well equipped to respond to the 'missing self' and the 'dangerous non-self', respectively. However, between these two reductive extremes, we are chronically faced with the challenge of making peace with the 'safe non-self' and dealing with the inevitable 'distressed self', and it is within this more complex realm γδ T cells excel thanks to their highly empathetic nature. This review gives an overview of the latest insights revealing the unfolding story of human γδ T cells, providing a biographical sketch of these unique lymphocytes in an attempt to capture the essence of their fundamental nature and events that influence their life trajectory. What hangs in their balance is their nuanced ability to differentiate the friends from the foe and the pathological from the benign to help us adapt swiftly and efficiently to life's many stresses.
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