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A Simple and Efficient Method for Testing Immunomodulatory Agents for Generation of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells from Human CD14+ Monocytes
Published on: April 11, 2025
750
Phytochemicals as modulators of dendritic cell functions: implications for tolerogenic cell-based therapy
Tünde Fekete1, Kitti Pázmándi1
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
Frontiers in Immunology
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Phytochemicals modulate dendritic cells (DCs) to promote immune tolerance, offering potential therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These plant compounds target key signaling pathways, reducing inflammation and enhancing regulatory T cell induction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial immune cells linking innate and adaptive immunity.
- Aberrant DC activation contributes to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- Phytochemicals possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunomodulatory effects of ten phytochemicals on dendritic cells (DCs).
- To explore the potential of phytochemicals in treating DC-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies on phytochemicals.
- Analysis of phytochemical effects on DC phenotype, function, and signaling pathways.
- Examination of preclinical models of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Main Results:
- Ten phytochemicals (curcumin, gingerols, resveratrol, EGCG, quercetin, apigenin, capsaicin, berberine, ginsenosides) modulate DC phenotype and function.
- Phytochemicals induce a tolerogenic DC phenotype, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhance regulatory T cell induction.
- Mechanisms involve modulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and mTOR signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals demonstrate significant potential for modulating DC function towards immune tolerance.
- These compounds show promise as adjuvant therapies for DC-mediated autoimmune diseases.
- Phytochemicals can be utilized to generate tolerogenic DCs for cell-based immunotherapies.
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