A sunflower mannose-binding lectin modulates the release of cytokines from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

DEL RIO M; DE LA CANAL L; REGENTE M; HERNÁNDEZ-CHÁVEZ M; PINEDO M; FASSOLARI M; MORA-MONTES H

Mar del Plata

Congreso; LXIII Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Clínica; 2018

SAIC

The immunomodulatory therapies are based in the stimulation of specific host immune responses against microbes rather than target microbe viability or virulence. Thus, induction of the immune system can be useful in the treatment of infectious processes. Changes in the production of cytokines promoted by treatment with synthetic drugs or natural compounds are essential for the activation and recruitment of the immune response. Among the natural products, plant lectins are known as potent immunomodulatory agents, able to act in both the innate and adaptive immune system. They modulate the production of cytokines and other mediators of immune response (such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species), improving the defenses against microbes. We have previously isolated a sunflower mannose-binding lectin of the jacalin family, which was called Helja (Helianthus annuus jacalin). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Helja on the activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with focus on the production of inflammatory mediators. Human PBMCs were incubated with Helja for 24 h and the cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 were quantified by ELISA technique. Helja (1 and 10 µg/ml) showed the ability to induce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6; and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Thus, Helja displayed a modulatory profile compatible with a polyclonal activation, since both the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and suppressors of inflammation were increased. These preliminary results point out the immunomodulatory activity of Helja and its potential application as pharmacological tool.