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Theanine improves the function of dendritic cells via the downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression

Mingsheng Lei1, Jianhong Zuo2, Min Li3

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhangjiajie City Hospital, Zhangjiajie, Hunan 427000, China.

Chinese Medical Journal
|April 26, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Theanine protects dendritic cells (DCs) from tumor-induced dysfunction by inhibiting COX-2 expression and restoring a balanced IL-10/IL-12 secretion, promoting DC activation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tumor cells impair dendritic cell (DC) function and number in the tumor microenvironment.
  • Bombesin treatment in vitro induces DC dysfunction and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of theanine on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in bombesin-inhibited DCs.
  • To evaluate the protective and activating effects of theanine on DCs.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
  • Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
  • Western blotting analysis of COX-2 expression and IL-12/IL-10 secretion in DCs.

Main Results:

  • Theanine treatment reduced DC apoptosis from 26.1% to 15.9%.
  • Theanine dose-dependently inhibited COX-2 expression and promoted IL-12 secretion while suppressing IL-10 secretion in bombesin-treated DCs.
  • Theanine enhanced the expression of mature DC surface molecules.

Conclusions:

  • Theanine inhibits COX-2 transcription and translation in DCs.
  • Theanine rebalances IL-10/IL-12 secretion, restoring DC activation.
  • Theanine demonstrates potential in counteracting tumor-induced DC dysfunction.

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