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Updated: May 19, 2026

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) stimulates cyclic AMP production in human peripheral mononuclear cells and alters immune
Sonemany Salinthone1, Amelia R Kerns, Vivian Tsang
1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Abstract:
α-Tocopherol, the most biologically active member of the vitamin E family of fat soluble compounds, exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Here, we show that, unlike other antioxidants, α-tocopherol stimulates the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Inhibitor studies demonstrate that the prostaglandin EP2 and EP4 receptors and adenylyl cyclases mediate the effects of α-tocopherol on cAMP production. Additionally, we show that α-tocopherol attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. This study provides novel evidence that α-tocopherol stimulates cAMP signaling, suggesting a mechanism of action for the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin E.
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