Enhanced Effects of Combined Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (TJ-41) and Interleukin-18 on the Production of Tumour Necrosis Factor-α and Interferon-γ in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

摘要

Co-stimulatory molecules play important roles in immune responses. We investigated the effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (TJ-41) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), B7.1 and B7.2 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by interleukin-18 (IL-18) using fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. TJ-41 increased IL-18-induced ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression, resulting in enhanced production of tumour necrosis factor-a and interferon-g. These results suggest that TJ-41 enhances IL-18-induced cell-mediated immunity and may enhance host defence mechanisms against pathogens.