Induction of maturation and activation of human dendritic cells: A mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of Viscum album as complimentary therapy in cancer
2008

How Viscum album Helps Activate Immune Cells in Cancer Therapy

Sample size: 5 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Elluru Sri Ramulu, van Huyen Jean-Paul Duong, Delignat Sandrine, Kazatchkine Michel D, Friboulet Alain, Kaveri Srini V, Bayry Jagadeesh

Primary Institution: Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris

Hypothesis

The VA preparations induce activation of human dendritic cells that facilitates effective tumor regression.

Conclusion

The VA preparations stimulate the maturation and activation of human dendritic cells, which may facilitate anti-tumoral immune responses.

Supporting Evidence

  • VA Qu Spez stimulated dendritic cells to express more co-stimulatory molecules.
  • The extract induced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8.
  • Dendritic cells treated with VA Qu Spez were able to stimulate T cell proliferation.

Takeaway

This study shows that a mistletoe extract can help immune cells in the body fight cancer better.

Methodology

Monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells were treated with Viscum album extract and analyzed for surface molecule expression and cytokine secretion.

Participant Demographics

Healthy donors' peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-8-161

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