Mistletoe lectins I, II, and III induce the production of cytokines by cultured human monocytes

Journal/Book: Cancer Letters 109, 33-38. 1996;

Abstract: The three mistletoe (Viscum album L.) lectins. ML I, ML II and ML III,were tested on their ability to enhance the secretion of the cytokinestumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 betaand IL-6 by human monocytes obtained from healthy donors. At lectinconcentrations from 0.02 to 20/pg ml (100-10,000-fold lower than thoseshowing toxic effects), stimulations of cytokine production several-foldover control values were observed. The immunoactivating concentrationsby the three lectins were found different for each donor. At toxicconcentrations, the amounts of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and to a lessextent of TNF alpha in monocytes supernatants were particularly high.The data are discussed in relationship with the cytotoxic andimmunoactivating effects of mistletoe lectins and their interest incancer treatment. Author.

Keyword(s): CELLS-CULTURED

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