Immunomodulatory effects of citrus fruit auraptene in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Effects of auraptene on immune cells in vitro and in vivo were examined. IgM production by human hybridoma HB4C5 cells was enhanced by auraptene. Auraptene also stimulated IgA and IgG production by mouse primary splenocytes, and IgA and IgM production by lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph nodes in vitro . To examine the effect of auraptene on immune system in vivo , auraptene was orally administered to mice for 14 days. Immunoglobulin production by splenocytes and lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph nodes were significantly activated by intake of auraptene. Moreover, IL-4, IFN-γ, and TNF-α production by splenocytes was accelerated under concanavalin A-activated condition. B cell population in spleen was increased by auraptene intake.