Abstract
The effects of saikosaponin-d, a triterpene saponin derived from Bupleurum falcatum L. (Umbelliferae), on the signaling pathways of T cell activation were examined. The results showed that saikosaponin-d potently suppressed both early (CD69) and late (CD71) expressions of mouse T cells stimulated with Con A or PMA. It interfered with PKCtheta translocation from cytosol to membrane fraction and inhibited the phosphorylations of IkappaBalpha and JNK, but not ERK, in PMA-activated mouse T cells. Additionally, it inhibited PMA and ionomycin-stimulated IL-2 production in mouse T cells. In summary, these results indicate that the mechanism by which saikosaponin-d inhibits T cell activation would involve the suppression of CD69 and CD71 expressions and IL-2 production, and the modulation of PKC pathway through PKCtheta, JNK, and NF-kappaB transcription factor. This may herald a novel approach for further studies of saikosaponin-d as a candidate for use in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, CD / biosynthesis
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Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / biosynthesis
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
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Flow Cytometry
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I-kappa B Proteins / biosynthesis
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Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis
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Isoenzymes / physiology*
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JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology*
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Lectins, C-Type
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Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects*
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
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NF-kappa B / physiology*
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Oleanolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
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Oleanolic Acid / pharmacology
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Phosphorylation
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Protein Kinase C / physiology*
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Protein Kinase C-theta
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Receptors, Transferrin / biosynthesis
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Saponins / pharmacology*
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T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
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CD69 antigen
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CD71 antigen
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I-kappa B Proteins
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Interleukin-2
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Isoenzymes
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Lectins, C-Type
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NF-kappa B
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Nfkbia protein, mouse
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Receptors, Transferrin
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Saponins
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NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
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Oleanolic Acid
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Prkcq protein, mouse
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Protein Kinase C
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Protein Kinase C-theta
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
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JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
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saikosaponin D