In vitro effects of binuclear (η (6)-p-cymene)ruthenium(II) complex containing bridging bis(nicotinate)-polyethylene glycol ester ligand on differentiation pathways of murine Th lymphocytes activated by T cell mitogen

J Biol Inorg Chem. 2015 Apr;20(3):575-83. doi: 10.1007/s00775-015-1242-x. Epub 2015 Feb 10.

Abstract

T cell differentiation into distinct T helper (Th) subpopulations is crucial in governing acquired immune responses as well as some inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. This study investigated potential of the novel neutral binuclear ruthenium(II) complexes 1-8 with general formula [{RuCl2(η(6)-p-cym)}2μ-(N(∩)N)] (N(∩)N = bis(nicotinate)- and bis(iso-nicotinate)-polyethylene glycol esters; (3-py)COO(CH2CH2O) n CO(3-py) and (4-py)COO(CH2CH2O) n CO(4-py); n = 1-4), as well as [RuCl2(η(6)-p-cym)(nic)] (R1, nic = nicotinate) and [RuCl2(η(6)-p-cym)(inic)] (R2, inic = isonicotinate) as an immunomodulatory agents capable to direct Th cell differentiation. From all investigated complexes, [{RuCl2(η(6)-p-cym)}2μ-{(3-py)COO(CH2CH2O)4CO(3-py)}] (4) was selected for further study because it did not affect splenocyte viability (in concentration up to 50 μM), but significantly reduced secretion of representative Th1 cytokine, IFN-γ induced by T cell mitogen. Besides IFN-γ, 4 inhibited dose dependently expression and production of representative Th17 cytokine, IL-17, in these cells. Otherwise, the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 was upregulated. Also, 4 significantly increased CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) Treg cell frequency in the activated splenocytes. Moreover, ConA-induced expression of Th1 transcription factors, T-bet and STAT1, as well as of Th17-related protein STAT3 was attenuated upon exposure to 4, while the expression of Th2-related transcription factor GATA3 remained stable. In conclusion, ruthenium(II) complex 4 modulates immune system cell functions in vitro by inhibiting T cell differentiation towards pathogenic Th1/Th17 phenotype and inducing a regulatory phenotype characterized by IL-10 and IL-4 production, which may provide novel therapeutic opportunities for immune-inflammatory and/or autoimmune disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry
  • Coordination Complexes / pharmacology*
  • Cymenes
  • Esters / chemistry
  • Esters / pharmacology*
  • Immunoblotting
  • Mice
  • Mitogens / pharmacology*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Monoterpenes / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Ruthenium / chemistry
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / drug effects*

Substances

  • Coordination Complexes
  • Cymenes
  • Esters
  • Mitogens
  • Monoterpenes
  • 4-cymene
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Ruthenium