Effects of Flavonoids and Its Derivatives on Immune Cell Responses

Abstract

Background: Various pieces of evidence have shown that people who consume foods rich in polyphenolic and flavonoids compounds have a lower incidence of inflammatory, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Objective: The study aimed to review the most potent compounds that affect the immune response and diseases associated with it. Methods: Publications in PubMed and EmBase, from 1974-2018, and patents form Free patents online, Scifinder, Espacenet and Mendeley in which flavonoids, their semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives are involved in immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Results: In vitro, flavonoids and their derivatives inhibit various transcriptional factors, which modulate differentiation, proliferation, activation of immune cells and enhance regulatory T cell generation. Some flavonoids exert anti-inflammatory effects through: Blockade of NF-κB, and NLRP3 inflammasome, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, down regulation of chemokines, and reduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Nevertheless, several reports have shown that some flavonoids enhance immune response by enhancing: oxygen and nitrogen radicals, antibody production, cytotoxic activity against tumours by increasing activating receptors and down regulating inhibitory receptors. In consequence, flavonoids may be potentially useful for treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. Conclusion: The most potent flavonoids in inflammation that modify immune responses are apigenin, quercetin and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) although, other compounds are still under study and cannot be excluded. The most relevant patents concerning the use of flavones and other polyphenols were revised. A promising future of these compounds in different therapies is discussed.

Effects of Jamaican cherry (Muntingia calabura L.) Fruits Extract on Immunoglobulin G Levels and Hematological Profiles in Mice

“…MEJF and EAFJF that contain flavonoids are thought to have immunomodulatory effects. This is in line with the previous research that some flavonoids increase immune response by stimulating antibody production 22 . Based on the results above, it is proved that Jamaican cherry fruits have an immunomodulatory effect by stimulating antibody production (immunoglobulin G).…”

Protective Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Diseases with Uncontrolled Immune Activation: Could Such a Scenario Be Helpful to Counteract COVID-19?

“…EGCG/GTE can also prevent the activation of NF-κB [ 31 , 33 , 43 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ], the main architect of inflammatory signals for its key role in numerous immunologic processes. NF-κB controls the expression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL8, IL-6, all of which are induced in the cytokines storm syndrome [ 70 , 71 ] and in COVID-19 [ 72 , 73 ].…”

Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Plantain in the Treatment of Gout and Hyperuricemia Based on Network Pharmacology

“…In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), flavonoids and triterpenoids have been shown to have good anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ), IL-1, IL-6, and chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) by acting on different targets in the NF- κ B (nuclear factor-kappa B) signaling pathway [ 29 ]. Flavonoids also can inhibit the levels of IL-1 β , IL-2, IL-6, TNF- α , and IL-17A, block the NF- κ B signaling pathway and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory factors, and enhance the immune response to achieve anti-inflammatory purposes [ 30 ]. At present, there are few studies on the active compounds and mechanism of plantain in the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia, which need to be further researched.…”