Immunomodulatory effect of Berberis vulgaris extracts on murine splenocytes and enrichment of dendritic cells in vitro

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the immune system. DCs were used in several studies as a vaccine for diseases, characterized by a compromised cell-mediated immunity, such as hepatitis C virus and tuberculosis. The main problem that the researchers in this subject face is how to enrich and maturate the DCs. Therefore, the goal for this study was to investigate the modulating effect of Berberis vulgaris extract on splenocytes' and DCs' enrichment and maturation in vitro. First, water and ethanolic extracts of B. vulgaris, as well as berberine standard were added to splenocytes. The most effective extract and its appropriate concentration were chosen by determining its modulating effect on cytokines and cell viability. Our results showed that 100 µg/mL of all tested solutions had a maximum stimulatory effect on splenocytes. On the other hand, at this concentration, only ethanolic extract was found to induce interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production at a protein level. The addition of ethanolic extract to splenocytes increased the cell viability. Also, CD11c became markedly increased. Finally, it shifted the maturation towards the T helper lymphocytes subset 1 (Th1), as it increased the production of IFN-γ and Interleukin-12 (IL-12).