The purpose of this study was to screen phytochemicals capable of inducing immune tolerance via enhanced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) secretion and investigate their effects in a mouse model of food allergy and colitis. In a screening test using THP-1-derived dendritic cells, a significant increase in TGF-β1 levels was observed upon treatment with ferulic acid and its glycosides, among which ferulic acid rutinoside (FAR) induced the highest level of TGF-β1 secretion. Oral administration of FAR suppressed serum levels of immunoglobulin E and histamine in ovalbumin-sensitized mice and triggered the differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. In comparison to the control, FAR treatment also induced stronger TGF-β1 secretion from splenic dendritic cells. FAR treatment attenuated dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis in the model mice and induced Treg differentiation. These results suggest that FAR exerts potent immunomodulatory effects against allergic and intestinal inflammatory responses by inducing Treg differentiation.
Keywords: dendritic cells; ferulic acid; glycoside; immune tolerance; regulatory T cells.