Effect of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on Production of Dendritic Cells from Peripheral Blood Monocytes

Dendritic cells are professional antigen presenting cells that initiate and modulate immune responses. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is identified as a prophylactic agent that can suppress tumor formation. This research aimed at investigating the effect of EGCG on differentiation of dendritic cells from monocytes and as a potential substitute for IL-4 in this process.

In this experimental study, blood samples were drawn and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using FICOL. The monocytes CD14 + were purified by MACS. EGCG was added in 5 μmol / l and 10 μmol / l. On days six and eight, the cells were analyzed and differentiation factors such as CD83, HLA-DR, and CD-b were evaluated using flow cytometry. In addition, IL-23 and IL-35 levels were measured.

CD-11 and CD11b levels in mature and immature dendritic cells were significantly different between the two paths (P<0.05), HLA-DR levels were also significantly different in dendritic cells (P<0.05). IL-23 and IL-35 levels in mature and immature dendritic cells were not significantly different, whereas these levels in mature dendritic cells showed significant differences between the two paths (P<0.05).

This study showed that EGCG compared to IL-4 can initiate monocyte differentiation to dendritic cells and this molecule can turn monocytes to dendritic cells with tolerogenic qualities compared to the classic path.