Planta Med 2008; 74 - PA6
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1084006

Cytopiloyne, a polyacetylenic glucoside from Bidens pilosa, modulates T cell differentiation through suppression of IL-12 expression in human dendritic cells

WC Wei 1, 2, V Staniforth 1, WC Yang 1, JH Sheu 2, LF Shyur 1, NS Yang 1
  • 1Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 1, 128, Academia Road Sec. 2, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan, R.O.C
  • 2Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, 2, No. 70, Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan, R.O.C

Cytopiloyne, a polyacetylenic glucoside from Bidens pilosa, has been shown by our previous study [1] to control or prevent type I diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice, via suppression of the differentiation of Th0 cell into Th1 cells and the promotion of their differentiation into Th2 cells. In this study, we investigated the immuno-modulatory effect of cytopiloyne on the maturation and cellular function of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). In an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay, we observed that cytopiloyne treatment shifted the DC-polarizing capacity from the Th1 to the Th2 pathway. Importantly, cytopiloyne exhibited the unique capability to inhibit the LPS-induced expression of IL-12 and IL-10 but not of IL-6 and TNF-α in test DCs. Further studies suggested that inhibition of p40 mRNA expression could be the underlying cause of cytopiloyne suppression of LPS induced IL-12 p70 protein expression in DCs. Together our results suggest that cytopiloyne can effectively suppress the maturation of human DCs and the differentiation of Th1 cells. This phytocompound may therefore be a useful modulator for regulation of various human immune cell types, with potential health care application.

References: 1. Chang, C.L.-T. et al. (2007) Journal of Immunology 178:6984–6993.