PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - GHONEUM, MAMDOOH
AU  - SETO, YOSHIKAZU
AU  - AGRAWAL, SUDHANSHU
TI  - Activation of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells <em>In Vitro</em> by Thymax, a Gross Thymic Extract
DP  - 2009 Nov 01
TA  - Anticancer Research
PG  - 4367--4371
VI  - 29
IP  - 11
4099  - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/29/11/4367.short
4100  - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/29/11/4367.full
SO  - Anticancer Res2009 Nov 01; 29
AB  - Background: We have recently demonstrated that Thymax, a gross thymic extract, induces an apoptotic effect against human breast cancer cells. In this study, the ability of Thymax to activate human dendritic cells (DCs) and the DC-directed T-cell response was examined in an in vitro culture model of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Materials and Methods: The level of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86) and T-cell proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA. Results: Thymax activated DCs to secrete interleukin (IL)-12p40 and IL-6 cytokines and inhibited IL-10 production. Additionally, Thymax caused the up-regulation of CD80 and CD86 in DCs, leading to an increase in CD4+ T-cells, which subsequently induced secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Conclusion: Taken together, the data showed that Thymax activated DCs and, consequently, Th1 cells. Thus, Thymax is an immune-activating compound that needs to be evaluated extensively for its possible therapeutic properties.