Enhanced production of IL-2 from anti-CD3 antibody-stimulated mouse spleen cells by caffeic acid phenethyl ester, a major component of Chinese propolis.

Objectives: We evaluated the immune-modulatory effects of Chinese propolis (CP) and its major constituent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), on the cytokine production of anti-CD3 antibody-stimulated mouse spleen cells.

Methods: Mouse spleen cells stimulated by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody were co-cultured with CP, CAPE, and HC030031, a specific antagonist of the TRPA1 Ca-permeable cation channel. Cytokine production was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Augmented secretion of IL-1α from mouse oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) vcells caused by serum deprivation and hypoxia promotes immune suppressive activity of mesenchymal stromal cells.

Objectives: We have previously reported that mouse oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC), Sq-1979-1, produces interleukin (IL)-1α, which specifically enhances the immunosuppressive activity of co-cultured mesenchymal stromal 10T1/2 cells. This study assessed the conditions promoting the production of IL-1α in Sq-1979-1 cells, which could further enhance the immunosuppressive function of 10T1/2 cells, and evaluated its expression in OSCC tissues.

Methods: The expression of IL-1α was examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).