Select plant tannins induce IL-2Ralpha up-regulation and augment cell division in gammadelta T cells

J Immunol. 2007 Nov 15;179(10):6468-78. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.10.6468.

Abstract

Gammadelta T cells are innate immune cells that participate in host responses against many pathogens and cancers. Recently, phosphoantigen-based drugs, capable of expanding gammadelta T cells in vivo, entered clinical trials with the goal of enhancing innate immune system functions. Potential shortcomings of these drugs include the induction of nonresponsiveness upon repeated use and the expansion of only the Vdelta2 subset of human gammadelta T cells. Vdelta1 T cells, the major tissue subset, are unaffected by phosphoantigen agonists. Using FACS-based assays, we screened primary bovine cells for novel gammadelta T cell agonists with activities not encompassed by the current treatments in an effort to realize the full therapeutic potential of gammadelta T cells. We identified gammadelta T cell agonists derived from the condensed tannin fractions of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) and Malus domestica (apple). Based on superior potency, the apple extract was selected for detailed analyses on human cells. The apple extract was a potent agonist for both human Vdelta1 and Vdelta2 T cells and NK cells. Additionally, the extract greatly enhanced phosphoantigen-induced gammadelta T cell expansion. Our analyses suggest that a tannin-based drug may complement the phosphoantigen-based drugs, thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of gammadelta T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat's Claw* / chemistry
  • Cattle
  • Cell Division / drug effects*
  • Fruit* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Malus* / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / agonists*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Tannins / chemistry
  • Tannins / pharmacokinetics*
  • Tannins / therapeutic use
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects*

Substances

  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Plant Extracts
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • Tannins