Effect of immunomodulatory polyphenols on innate lymphocyte responses involved in anti-tumor defense. (46.34)

Abstract

Abstract The anti-tumor effects of polyphenols have received considerable attention in recent years. The majority of research in this area has focused on the direct effect of these compounds on tumor cells, as well as their antioxidant activities. However, few studies have focused on the effect of these compounds on leukocyte responses involved in anti-tumor immunity. Two polyphenol extracts, which have been shown to have immunomodulatory and antitumor properties, are apple peel polyphenols (APP) and oenothein B (OB), a compound isolated from the Epilobium angustifolium plant. We have previously shown that these compounds are capable of stimulating innate lymphocytes, such as NK cells and γδ T cells. Since these innate lymphocytes play an important role in anti-tumor responses through several mechanisms, the effects of these polyphenol extracts on these cells was investigated further. We found that both APP and OB can modulate the expression of certain surface proteins and cytokines involved in tumor cell recognition and killing by innate lymphocytes, such as NKG2D and IFNγ. The effect of these polyphenols on the anti-tumor activity of innate lymphocytes and their importance is currently under investigation in both human cells and mouse models. Funded by NIH NCCAM PO1 AT004986.