Crocin improves the proliferation and cytotoxic function of T cells in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract Objective Immunotherapy is important to improve the survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study aimed to assess the effects of crocin on the proliferation and function of T cells isolated from children with ALL. Methods The mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of children with ALL and then treated with different final concentrations of crocin. The levels of different cytokines secreted by T cells and the ratio of CD4 and CD8 were measured. Tail DNA% (TDNA), Tail moment (TM), Tail length (TL) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) were detected to assess DNA damage of T cells. Results Crocin significantly promoted T cell proliferation and the secretion of IL-2 and IL-4 in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, crocin increased CD4/CD8 ratio of T subset. Crocin itself caused no significant damage to T cells but reduced DNA damage in T cells treated with Ara-C. Conclusions Crocin could improve the proliferation and cytotoxic function of T cells, and reduce DNA damage caused by Ara-C.