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Activation of T lymphocytes by polysaccharide‐protein complex from a Chinese medicinal nutrient, Lycium barbarum L
Author(s) -
Chen Zhisong,
Tan Kwong Huat,
Tay Samuel SW,
Chan Soh Ha
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.150.2
Subject(s) - lycium , splenocyte , nfat , polysaccharide , il 2 receptor , in vitro , immune system , t cell , chemistry , biology , transcription factor , biochemistry , immunology , medicine , gene , alternative medicine , pathology
Lycium barbarum fruit, also known as wolfberry, is a Chinese medicinal nutrient containing many micronutrients and phytochemicals, such as essential vitamins, beta‐carotene, zeaxanthin, and polysaccharides. We report that polysaccharide‐protein complex from Lycium barbarum L (LBP) enhances immunity by activating T lymphocytes. Crude LBP was isolated from Lycium fruit and purified to five homogenous fractions, designated as LBPF1, LBPF2, LBPF3, LBPF4, and LBPF5. We found that LBP significantly stimulated mouse splenocyte proliferation. The active fractions were LBPF4 and LBPF5. The proliferation proved to be of T cells, but not B cells. Crude LBP, LBPF4, and LBPF5 markedly enhanced CD25 expression, activated transcription factor NFAT and AP‐1, and induced IL‐2 and IFN‐¦Ã gene transcription and protein secretion. LBP significantly induced T cell proliferation by i.p. and p.o. administration. Both in vitro and in vitro data indicate that LBP is capable of activating T cells. We conclude that activation of T lymphocytes by LBP may contribute to its immuno‐enhancement function. This work was supported by funds from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Immunology, National University of Singapore (R‐188‐000‐001‐731).