Induction of tumor necrosis factor expression by a lectin from VISCUM ALBUM

Journal/Book: Cancer Immunol. Immunother 33 (3), 177-182. 1991;

Abstract: A purified lectin (MLI) from Viscum album was used to test whetherperipheral monocytes from human blood can be activated for theproduction of tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Cytotoxic activity wasdetected in the supernatant of MLI-stimulated monocyte cultures. Thiscytotoxic activity was completely inhibited by monoclonal antibodies toTNF alpha. Small amounts of soluble TNF protein were measured in a TNFalpha-specific enzyme-linked immunospecific assay system. Strongexpression of TNF alpha mRNA was induced in human monocytes as well asin macrophage cultures from C3H/HeJ mice having a low response toendotoxin after 2 h of stimulation. Both chains of the MLI were found toinduce TNF mRNA equally well in human monocytes. In macrophages ofendotoxin-low-responder mice the toxic A chain was a better inducer ofTNF mRNA than the galactose-specific lectin B chain. Thus, MLI hasimmunomodulating effects in activating monocytes/macrophages forinflammatory responses. Author.

Keyword(s): ANIMAL

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