Immunomodulatory potential of CVT‐E002 , a proprietary North American Ginseng extract, in an in vitro model of virus‐induced asthma exacerbation

Rationale: Most asthma exacerbations are precipitated by airway virus infections. Understanding the inflammatory response to viruses could allow preventative immune modulating therapies. CVT‐E002 (commercially available as COLD fX ® ) is a patented poly‐furanosyl‐pyranosy‐saccharide‐rich extract of North American ginseng. Clinical trials show that CVT‐E002 prevents virus infection. Objectives: To determine whether CVT‐E002 has anti‐virus properties in vitro; and to understand its effects on human dendritic cells and lymphocytes. Methods: Human dendritic cells (DC) and T cells were cultured with or without virus/virus sham (RSV or RV). Flowcytometry and ELISA assays were performed. Results: RSV and RV upregulate CD25 expression in proliferating memory CD4+ T cells co‐cultured with DC (n=3). DC pretreated with CVT‐E002 induce increased CD25 on CD4+ T cells similar to virus infection alone. Combination of RV and CVT‐E002 augments this expression (n=5). DC with CVT‐E002 show increased expression of HLA‐DR, CD80, CD86 (n=2). T cells and DC incubated with either RSV or RV release IFN–γ, IFN‐α, TNF, and IL‐12 (n=1). CVT‐E002 pretreatment increases this release. Without virus, CVT‐E002 induces some cytokine release. Conclusion: CVT‐E002 appears to induce maturation of DC and induces increased T cell proliferation with increased antiviral cytokine responses. CVT‐E002 could be a useful immune modulator in the prevention of virus‐induced asthma exacerbation.