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Effects of resveratrol on human immune cell function.
R Falchetti1, M P Fuggetta, G Lanzilli
1Institute of Experimental Medicine, CNR, Rome, Italy. Roberto.Falchetti@ims.rm.cnr.it
Life Sciences
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Resveratrol, found in red wine, has a dual effect on human immune cells. Low doses stimulate T cells and natural killer cells, while high doses suppress them, indicating its immunomodulatory potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenol in grapes and red wine.
- It exhibits diverse biological and pharmacological activities.
- Known activities suggest potential immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of resveratrol on human immune responses.
- To evaluate its impact on T cell development, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) generation, and natural killer (NK) cell activity.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28.
- Resveratrol's effects on cytokine-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were assessed.
- CTL and NK cell cytotoxic activity were measured in the presence of resveratrol.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol demonstrated a biphasic effect on T cell cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4).
- Low resveratrol concentrations stimulated T cell responses, whereas high concentrations suppressed them.
- Both CTL and NK cell cytotoxic activity were enhanced at low concentrations and inhibited at high concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol modulates key human immune cell functions in vitro.
- Its immunomodulatory activity is concentration-dependent, showing both stimulatory and suppressive effects.
- The findings suggest resveratrol's effects on cytokine production by T cells are central to its immune modulation.