Polysaccharides derived from Yamoa (Funtumia elastica) prime gammadelta T cells in vitro and enhance innate immune responses in vivo.

ABSTRACT: Yamoa (ground bark of Funtumia elastica tree) is marketed and sold as a dietary supplement with anecdotal therapeutic effects in the treatment of asthma and hay fever. We determined that Yamoa and Yamoa-derived polysaccharides affected innate immunity, in part, by priming gammadelta T cells. Gene expression patterns in purified bovine gammadelta T cells and monocytes induced by Yamoa were similar to those induced by ultrapure lipopolysaccharide (uLPS). In the presence of accessory cells, Yamoa had priming effects that were similar to those of LPS on bovine and murine gammadelta T cells, but much more potent than LPS on human gammadelta T cells. The bioactive component of Yamoa was delineated to a complex polysaccharide fraction (Yam-I). Intraperitoneal injection of Yamoa and Yam-I in mice

SUBMITTER: Graff JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2749908 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature