Immunomodulatory effects of citrus fruit auraptene in vitro and in vivo

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.

► Auraptene is one of the most abundant prenyloxycoumarin compounds in citrus fruits.
► Auraptene increased antibody production by HB4C5 cells and mouse primary lymphocytes.
► Antibody production was stimulated by administration with auraptene for 14 days in mice.
► Cytokines production was accelerated by auraptene under mitogen-activated condition.
► Auraptene might promote immature B cells to differentiate into plasma cells.