Oenothein B, a cyclic dimeric ellagitannin isolated from Epilobium angustifolium, enhances IFNγ production by lymphocytes

PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e50546. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050546. Epub 2012 Nov 30.

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 γδ 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-γ (IFNγ) 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 IFNγ by human T cells. Since IFNγ 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Dimerization*
  • Epilobium / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins / chemistry*
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins / isolation & purification
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins / pharmacology*
  • Immunity, Innate / drug effects
  • Immunologic Factors / chemistry
  • Immunologic Factors / isolation & purification
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-18 / pharmacology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1 / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism

Substances

  • Hydrolyzable Tannins
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Interleukin-18
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1
  • oenothein B
  • Interferon-gamma