Activation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells in vitro by Thymax, a gross thymic extract.
BACKGROUND
We have recently demonstrated that Thymax, a gross thymic extract, induces an apoptotic effect against human breast cancer cells. In this study, the ability of Thymax to activate human dendritic cells (DCs) and the DC-directed T-cell response was examined in an in vitro culture model of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.


METHODS
The level of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86) and T-cell proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA.


RESULTS
Thymax activated DCs to secrete interleukin (IL)-12p40 and IL-6 cytokines and inhibited IL-10 production. Additionally, Thymax caused the up-regulation of CD80 and CD86 in DCs, leading to an increase in CD4(+) T-cells, which subsequently induced secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma).


CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, the data showed that Thymax activated DCs and, consequently, Th1 cells. Thus, Thymax is an immune-activating compound that needs to be evaluated extensively for its possible therapeutic properties.
Ghoneum
Mamdooh
M
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Department of Otolaryngology, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA. mghoneum@ucla.edu
Seto
Yoshikazu
Y
Agrawal
Sudhanshu
S
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D013949:Thymus Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D016207:Cytokines; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D013949:Thymus Extracts; D007371:Interferon-gamma