Oenothein B, a cyclic dimeric ellagitannin isolated from Epilobium angustifolium, enhances IFN? production by lymphocytes.

ABSTRACT: Oenothein B is a polyphenol isolated from Epilobium angustifolium and other plant sources, which has been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory properties. Oenothein B is known to activate myeloid cells and induce the production of IL-1 and other cytokines. However, its effects on lymphocytes are unknown. In this report, we show that oenothein B stimulated innate lymphocytes, including bovine and human ?? T cells and NK cells, resulting in either increased CD25 and/or CD69 expression. We also demonstrate that oenothein B enhanced the production of interferon-? (IFN?) by bovine and human NK cells alone and in combination with interleukin-18 (IL-18), a response not observed with other commonly studied polyphenols. Furthermore, we demonstrate that oenothein B enhanced the production of IFN? by human T cells. Since IFN? contributes to antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral cell responses, these data suggest an additional mechanism that could account, at least in part, for the immune enhancing properties of oenothein B.

SUBMITTER: Ramstead AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3511557 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature