IFNα2b augments immune responses of cisplatin+5-fluorouracil treated tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients--a preliminary study.

Background & Objectives: Interferon alpha 2b (IFNα2b) has been reported to regulate several immune functions efficiently to enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK and T cells towards various forms of tumours. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of IFNα2b in overcoming disease induced and/or treatment associated imunosuppression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) patients undergoing chemotherapy for better clinical outcome.

Methods: Seven TSCC patients under cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in combination with IFNα2b were assessed for various immunohaematological parameters before treatment, after chemotherapy and after IFNα2b therapy.

Dysregulated CC receptor/ligand in monocytes/macrophages from tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients is partially rectified by interferon α-2b.

In an aim to rectify dysregulated CC chemokine receptor (CCR5)/ligand (RANTES, MIP-1α, MIP-1β) status of monocytes/macrophages in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC; n = 12) patients, we have tested interferon α2b (IFNα2b), a novel immunomodulator with wide use in the management of several forms of cancer. IFNα2b can upregulate reduced CCR5 expression and increases the suppressed secretory status of its ligands, as evidenced from in vitro studies on monocytes/macrophages from the peripheral blood of TSCC patients as well as healthy individuals. Isolated monocytes of TSCC patients (n = 5) undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment along with IFNα2b immunotherapy demonstrated significant upregulation in CCR5 expression and secretion of corresponding ligands.

Neem leaf glycoprotein inhibits CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs to restrict murine tumor growth.

Background: The presence of Tregs in tumors is associated with compromised tumor-specific immune responses and has a clear negative impact on survival of cancer patients. Thus, downregulation of Tregs is considered as a promising cancer immunotherapeutic approach. We have reported previously that neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP) prophylaxis restricts tumor growth in mice by immune activation.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf preparation prevents leukocyte apoptosis mediated by cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil treatment in Swiss mice.

Background: Neem (Azadirachta indica) is widely regarded as a wonder tree because of its diverse medicinal applications. We investigated the ability of neem leaf preparation (NLP) to protect against apoptosis of circulating blood cells induced by cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (cis + 5-FU) in carcinoma-bearing mice.

Methods: Apoptosis was studied by annexin V-propidium iodide method.

Induction of type 1 cytokines during neem leaf glycoprotein assisted carcinoembryonic antigen vaccination is associated with nitric oxide production.

Involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) release in CEAM phi NLGP (carcinoembryonic antigen pulsed macrophages with neem leaf glycoprotein) vaccination and its relationship with vaccine induced type 1 immune response were aimed to study in the present communication. Vaccination with CEAM phi NLGP resulted in macrophage activation as evidenced by its increased number and expression of CD69 marker. Activated macrophages demonstrated upregulation in synthesis of IL-12 and downregulation in IL-10, along with excess IFN gamma production in splenic cells, as evidenced from mRNA analysis.

Neem leaf glycoprotein directs T-bet-associated type 1 immune commitment.

Neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP)-mediated immune activation and associated immune polarization was studied. NLGP-induced activation is reflected in upregulation of early activation marker CD69 on lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells. Activation is also denoted by CD45RO enhancement, with a decrease in CD45RA phenotype and CD62L (L-selectin).

Neem leaf glycoprotein helps to generate carcinoembryonic antigen specific anti-tumor immune responses utilizing macrophage-mediated antigen presentation.

In an objective to generate effective carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) specific anti-tumor immune response in Swiss mice, CEA was presented using macrophages with adjuvant help from neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP). Such vaccination generates significantly higher antibody (IgG2a) and T cell response than immunization protocol without NLGP. NLGP controls the function of both B cells and macrophages by altering the expressions of various regulatory molecules, like, CD19, CD11b, etc.

Neem leaf glycoprotein restores the impaired chemotactic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients by maintaining CXCR3/CXCL10 balance.

Interaction between CXCL10 and CXCR3 is dysregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and hampers chemotaxis of cytotoxic cells at tumor site. In continuation of the demonstration of significant immunomodulatory effects of neem leaf preparation (NLP), the active ingredient of NLP is characterized as a glycoprotein (NLGP). NLGP is responsible for in vivo immunomodulation to restrict the growth of mice tumors.

Pretreatment with neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf preparation in Swiss mice diminishes leukopenia and enhances the antitumor activity of cyclophosphamide.

Cancer chemotherapy is associated with several life threatening complications, including bone marrow suppression and leucopenia. To overcome this problem, colony stimulating factor (CSF), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF), can be used, however, these therapeutics are expensive and have several disadvantages, including tumor growth promoting activities. This study attempted to use an immunostimulatory neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf preparation (NLP) to prevent the cyclophosphamide (CYP) induced reduction in the WBC count.

Interferon alpha2b augments suppressed immune functions in tobacco-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients by modulating cytokine signaling.

We have examined the role of interferon alpha2b (IFNalpha2b) in augmentation of the suppressed immune functions and cytotoxicity of tobacco-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. The suppressed killing activity of PBMC of HNSCC patients towards KB, MCF7 and K562 cell lines could be restored by in vitro treatment of PBMC with IFNalpha2b, as detected by LDH release assay. HNSCC patients with cisplatin + 5FU + IFNalpha2b treatment showed greater cytotoxic efficacy than corresponding pretreatment values.