Arctigenin from <it>Arctium lappa </it>inhibits interleukin-2 and interferon gene expression in primary human T lymphocytes

• Main Authors: Chang Shwu-Fen, Lee Tzong-Huei, Wang Guei-Jane, Chang Chu-Ting, Tsai Wei-Jern, Lu Shao-Chun, Kuo Yuh-Chi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-03-01
• Series: Chinese Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.cmjournal.org/content/6/1/12

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Arctium lappa </it>(<it>Niubang</it>), a Chinese herbal medicine, is used to treat tissue inflammation. This study investigates the effects of arctigenin (AC), isolated from <it>A. lappa</it>, on anti-CD3/CD28 Ab-stimulated cell proliferation and cytokine gene expression in primary human T lymphocytes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cell proliferation was determined with enzyme immunoassays and the tritiated thymidine uptake method. Cytokine production and gene expression were analyzed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>AC inhibited primary human T lymphocytes proliferation activated by anti-CD3/CD28 Ab. Cell viability test indicated that the inhibitory effects of AC on primary human T lymphocyte proliferation were not due to direct cytotoxicity. AC suppressed interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, AC decreased the IL-2 and IFN-γ gene expression in primary human T lymphocytes induced by anti-CD3/CD28 Ab. Reporter gene analyses revealed that AC decreased NF-AT-mediated reporter gene expression.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>AC inhibited T lymphocyte proliferation and decreased the gene expression of IL-2, IFN-γ and NF-AT.</p>