Neem leaf glycoprotein suppresses regulatory T cell mediated suppression of monocyte/macrophage functions

We have shown that neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP) inhibits the regulatory T cell (Tregs) induced suppression of tumoricidal functions of CD14(+)CD68(+) monocyte/macrophages (MO/Mφ) from human peripheral blood. Cytotoxic efficacy of MO/Mφ toward macrophage sensitive cells, U937, is decreased in presence of Tregs (induced), however, it was increased further by supplementation of NLGP in culture. Associated Treg mediated inhibition of perforin/granzyme B expression and nitric oxide release from MO/Mφ was normalized by NLGP. Altered status of signature cytokines, like, IL-12, IL-10, IL-6, TNFα from MO/Mφ under influence of Tregs is also rectified by NLGP. Tregs significantly enhanced the expression of altered marker, mannose receptor (CD206) on CD68(+) cells that was downregulated upon NLGP exposure. In addition to tumoricidal functions, antigen presenting ability of MO/Mφ is hampered by Treg induced downregulation of CD80, CD86 and HLA-ABC. NLGP upregulated these molecules in MO/Mφ even in the presence of Tregs. Treg mediated inhibition of MO/Mφ chemotaxis in contact dependent manner was also normalized partially by NLGP, where participation of CCR5 was documented. Overall results suggest that Treg influenced pro-tumor MO/Mφ functions are rectified in a significant extent by NLGP to create an anti-tumor immune environment.