Neem leaf glycoprotein directs T-bet–associated type 1 immune commitment

Abstract

Neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP)–mediated immune activation and associated immune polarization was studied. NLGP–induced activation is reflected in upregulation of early activation marker CD69 on lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells. Activation is also denoted by CD45RO enhancement, with a decrease in CD45RA phenotype and CD62L (L-selectin). NLGP-activated T cells secrete greater amount of signature T-helper (Th)1 cytokines interferon-γ and a lower amount of the Th2 cytokine interleukin (IL)–4. Similar type 1 directiveness is also observed in antigen-presenting monocytes and dendritic cells by upregulation of IL-12, tumor necrosis factor –α and downregulation of IL-10. Creation of the type 1 microenvironment is also assisted by NLGP-induced downregulation of FoxP3 + T-Reg cells. A type 1–specific transcription factor, T-bet, is upregulated in circulating immune cells after their stimulation with NLGP. In the creation of type 1 immune network, increased phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT4 with decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 might have significance. We conclude that NLGP may be effective in maintaining normal immune homeostasis by upregulating type 1 response in immunosuppressed hosts, which may have significant role in the induction of host protective antitumor functions.