Coccomyxa sp.KJ extract affects the fate of T cells stimulated by toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1, a superantigen secreted by Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

T cell stimulation by bacterial superantigens induces a cytokine storm. After T cell activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion, regulatory T cells (Treg) are produced to suppress the immune response. Coccomyxa sp.KJ (IPOD FERM BP-22254), a green alga, is reported to regulate immune reactions. Therefore, we examined the effects of Coccomyxa sp.KJ extract (CE) on the superantigen-induced immune response. When human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with toxic shock syndrome-1 (TSST-1) in the presence of CE, the number of activated T cells decreased moderately. Purified T cells stimulated in the presence of CE comprised more non-proliferating cells than those stimulated in the absence of CE, whereas some T cells proliferated more quickly. The levels of activation markers on the stimulated T cells increased in the presence of CE. Most of the inflammatory cytokines did not change but IL-1β, IL-17, IL-4, and IL-13 secretion increased, whereas that of IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-18 decreased. IL-10 secretion was also decreased by CE treatment, suggesting that the immune response was not suppressed by Treg cells. CE enhanced the expression of stem cell-like memory cell markers in T cells. These results suggest that CE can regulate the fate of T cells and can help to ameliorate superantigen-induced T cell hyperactivation and immune suppression.

Coccomyxa subellipsoidea KJ Components Enhance the Expression of Metallothioneins and Th17 Cytokines during Human T Cell Activation

“…Consistent with our previous study [13], here we showed that both P and AS treatment decreased IL-2 and increased IL-17 expression. Conversely, IL-5 and IL-13 production decreased upon P and AS treatment, which differs from the results of our previous study [13].…”

“…Consistent with our previous study [13], here we showed that both P and AS treatment decreased IL-2 and increased IL-17 expression. Conversely, IL-5 and IL-13 production decreased upon P and AS treatment, which differs from the results of our previous study [13]. This discrepancy between results could be because we used partially purified P and AS in this study, which may have depleted some Th2 cytokine-inducing factors.…”

“…Moreover, the polysaccharides derived from C. gloeobotrydiformis suppress LPS-induced inflammation by modulating the regulation of various signaling pathways [8]. In our previous study, we showed that C-KJ extracts induce the differentiation of highly competent stem cell-like memory T cells (T scm ) [12] and suppress superantigen-induced immune responses in vitro [13]. Additionally, in a clinical study, C-KJ supplementation suppressed the deterioration of physical conditions related to immune and neuronal functions in healthy adults [14].…”

Therapeutic Effects of a Dry Powder Prepared from the Green Microalga Coccomyxa sp. KJ in Mice Infected with Influenza A Virus

“…Recently, Ohshima et al reported that a water-soluble extract of Coccomyxa sp. KJ affected T-cell fates and helped ameliorate superantigen-induced T cell hyperactivation and immune suppression [20]. Alternatively, it is plausible that the therapeutic effects we observed may have been mediated, at least in part, by other algal components.…”