Immunomodulatory effects of flavonoids: An experimental study on natural-killer-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against lung cancer and cytotoxic granule secretion profile

Abstract

Background: A new approach involving immune-cell-mediated cancer therapy has been adopted extensively for the sake of lung cancer treatments by utilizing natural killer (NK) cells. NK cell activity can be enhanced with certain agents, and among them are flavonoids. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory roles of apigenin, luteolin and quercetin on NK cell activity against lung cancer cells and on the secretions of perforin and granulysin profile. Methods: The NK-92 cells were grown in complete α-Minimum Essential Medium (MEM). NCI-H460 lung cancer cells were cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 media. NK cell activity against lung cancer cells were done using MTT(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The secretions of perforin and granulysin profiles were then analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Apigenin, luteolin and quercetin significantly increased the NK-cell-mediated cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cells at concentrations 12.5 µg/ml and 25µg/ml ( P < 0.001). The secretion levels of perforin and granulysin from NK cells were also significantly enhanced with apigenin and luteolin treatment but not with quercetin. Conclusions: All three flavonoid compounds possessed some significant immunomodulatory actions on NK cell cytotoxic activity and granule secretion profiles towards lung cancer therapy.

The Potency of Herbal Active Compounds as Immune Modulators for Cancer Therapy

“…It can block IL-6 secretion, affects immunity and inflammation by targeting many signaling pathways, and work on leukocytes. In another study from in vitro treatment, quercetin activated T cells, NK cells, and blocked IL-12 [64]. Hence, this research will show T cell proliferation and Th1 differentiation.…”

Salt-Tolerant Plants, Halophytes, as Renewable Natural Resources for Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Roles of Phenolics and Flavonoids in Immunomodulation and Suppression of Oxidative Stress towards Cancer Management

“…The immunomodulatory actions of flavonoids and other constituents in honey are well known, and the use of honey as an adjuvant in cancer therapy has been recommended [ 206 ]. The effects of three flavonoids, namely apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin, on NK cell activity against lung cancer cells, and on the secretions of the cytotoxic granules perforin and granulysin were also examined [ 207 ]. Naringenin, a flavonoid product, is known to modulate mouse J774 macrophages upon infection with C. trachomatis , through modulation of TLR2, TLR4, and CD86 receptors and down-streaming of the MAPK (p38) pathway [ 208 ].…”

Quantitative Estimation of Immunomodulatory Flavonoid Quercetin by HPTLC in Different Leafy Vegetables Available in West Bengal

“…The quantity and location of free hydroxyl (-OH) groups affect the efficacy of flavonoids, the secondary metabolites with immunomodulatory characteristics. [27] The methanol extract of C. sativum L. had a TFC of 60.87 mg QE/g dry weight, whereas the methanolic extract of M. koenigii had a TFC of 9.75 mg QE/g dry weight, according to D.T. Abeysinghe et al [28] and Hasna Bouhenni et al [29] The flavonoid concentration of leafy vegetables was shown to be considerably influenced by biological, environmental, genetic, seasonal, and yearly fluctuations, according to publications in the literature.…”