Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Myeloid Innate Signaling Pathway Regulation by MALT1 Paracaspase Activity
07:09

Myeloid Innate Signaling Pathway Regulation by MALT1 Paracaspase Activity

Published on: January 7, 2019

7.9K

Distinct Arnica montana L. extracts modulate human T cell activation in different ways via differential inhibition of

Karina M Berschneider1, Bernhard Wetterauer2, Carsten Sticht3

  • 1Section Molecular Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.

Frontiers in Immunology
|October 31, 2025
PubMed

Arnica montana L. (Arnica) has a long history of use in treating inflammation and soft tissue injury, yet its immunomodulatory mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of distinct Arnica extracts - derived from different plant parts (root or whole plant) and manufacturing processes - on primary human T cells. We also compared their effects with those of the pure compounds helenalin and thymol. All extracts inhibited T cell activation and proliferation. This could be traced back to reduced IL-2 responsiveness due to decreased CD25 (IL-2Rα chain) expression, accompanied by reduced IL-2 production. Transcriptomic analysis (nCounter) and gene set enrichment revealed that the extracts target key T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways. Mechanistically, the hydroethanolic root extract selectively inhibited NFκB DNA binding, while the aqueous fermented extract predominantly suppressed NFAT-dependent gene expression. The hydroethanolic whole plant extract exerted a moderate effect on both pathways. These findings identify Arnica extracts as promising modulators of human TCR signaling and support their potential in regulating T cell-driven inflammatory responses, with implications for muscle healing and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Keywords:
Arnica montana L. extractsLC-MS/MSNFATNFκBhelenalinimmunomodulationprimary human T cells (PBTs)thymol

More Related Videos

Synthesis and Characterization of an Aspirin-fumarate Prodrug that Inhibits NFκB Activity and Breast Cancer Stem Cells13:38

Synthesis and Characterization of an Aspirin-fumarate Prodrug that Inhibits NFκB Activity and Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Published on: January 18, 2017

12.6K
Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries08:49

Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries

Published on: January 22, 2019

9.5K

Related Concept Videos

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
9.8K
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
2.1K
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
11.9K
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
14.7K
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
15.9K
MAPK Signaling Cascades01:07

MAPK Signaling Cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
7.9K