Triptolide is more effective in preventing T cell proliferation and interferon-gamma production than is FK506.
The Chinese traditional herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F (TWHF) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of a variety of autoimmune disorders. The major active component of this herb is triptolide and most of the efficacy of this herb immunosuppression is attributed to triptolide. FK506 is also a potent immunosuppressive agent and is currently being used clinically. The present studies compare the effectiveness of triptolide and FK506 to suppress certain human T cell functions. Specifically human T cell proliferation, IL-2 and IFNgamma were compared. The results show that, overall, triptolide is more effective at inhibiting T cell proliferation and IFNgamma production than FK506 and the two compounds inhibit IL-2 production in an equivalent manner.
Chan
M A
MA
Department of Microbiology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA. chan@falcon.cc.ukans.edu
Kohlmeier
J E
JE
Branden
M
M
Jung
M
M
Benedict
S H
SH
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004224:Diterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004852:Epoxy Compounds; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D010616:Phenanthrenes; D008517:Phytotherapy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology
D004224:Diterpenes; D004852:Epoxy Compounds; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010616:Phenanthrenes; C001899:triptolide; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; D016559:Tacrolimus