Activation of human gamma delta T-cells by heat-treated mistletoe plant extracts.
Various microorganisms including mycobacteria, other bacteria and parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum are known to activate human gamma delta T-cells in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that heat-treated (but not untreated) mistletoe extracts similarly stimulate human gamma delta T-cells during in vitro culture. The responding T-cells express the variable T-cell receptor elements V gamma 9 and V delta 2. The gamma delta-stimulating activity of heat-treated mistletoe extracts is sensitive to treatment with alkaline phosphatase but not with proteinase K, indicating that the ligands are non-proteinaceous phosphate-containing compounds. Mistletoe-derived ligands share these features with the previously defined mycobacteria-derived ligands for gamma delta T-cells.
Department of Immunology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany.
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D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D037102:Lectins / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000276:immunology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000378:metabolism*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D037102:Lectins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta