Levamisole enhances immune response by affecting the activation and maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Journal
Clinical and experimental immunology
Journal Volume
151
Journal Issue
1
Date Issued
2008-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Levamisole is a synthetic phenylimidazolthiazole that was first introduced in 1966 as an anti-helmintic agent. Current studies have been focused upon its effect on immune response and on cancer treatment. We examined the molecular mechanisms of levamisole in the activation and maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) and human T cells. Treatment of DC with levamisole increased the presentation of CD80, CD86, CD83 and human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) molecules on the cell membrane, as well as the production of interleukin (IL)-12 p40 and IL-10. Levamisole-treated human DC also enhanced T cell activation towards type 1 T helper immune response by inducing interferon-gamma secretion. Neutralization with antibodies against Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 inhibited levamisole-induced production of IL-12 p40 and IL-10, suggesting a vital role for TLR-2 in signalling DC upon incubation with levamisole. The inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinases pathways also prevented the effects of levamisole on DC in producing IL-12 p40 or IL-10. Taken together, levamisole could enhance immune response towards T helper 1 development through the activation of dendritic cells or T cell aspects.
Subjects
Dendritic cells | Levamisole | Signal transduction | T cells | Th1/Th2 cells
Dendritic cells; Levamisole; Signal transduction; T cells; Th1/Th2 cells
SDGs
Other Subjects
B7 antigen; CD83 antigen; CD86 antigen; gamma interferon; HLA DR antigen; immunoglobulin enhancer binding protein; interleukin 10; interleukin 12; levamisole; mitogen activated protein kinase 1; mitogen activated protein kinase 3; protein p40; stress activated protein kinase; toll like receptor 2; article; cell maturation; cell membrane; cellular immunity; controlled study; cytokine production; cytokine release; dendritic cell; drug mechanism; helper cell; human; human cell; molecule; monocyte; priority journal; T lymphocyte; T lymphocyte activation; Anthelmintics; Cells, Cultured; Dendritic Cells; Flow Cytometry; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; Interferon Type II; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-12 Subunit p40; Levamisole; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Stimulation, Chemical; Th1 Cells; Toll-Like Receptor 2
Type
journal article