Molecular events in the activation of B cells and macrophages by a non-microbial TLR4 agonist, G1-4A from Tinospora cordifolia

G1-4A, a polysaccharide from an Indian medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia, was recently shown to protect mice against septic shock by modulating the proinflammatory cytokines. G1-4A also activated B cells polyclonally. The present report describes in detail the molecular events associated with G1-4A-induced immunomodulation in vitro and in vivo. G1-4A treatment led to an increase in the CD69 expression in lymphocytes. G1-4A-induced proliferation of B cells was completely inhibited by PI3K inhibitor Ly294002, mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and NF-κB inhibitor plumbagin. Akt, ERK and JNK were activated by G1-4A which finally resulted in the activation of IKK, degradation of IκB-α and translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. Administration of G1-4A to mice led to splenomegaly and an increase in the numbers of T cells, B cells and macrophages. This increase in spleen cellularity was due to in vivo proliferation of lymphocytes and upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes. Anti-TLR4-MD2 complex antibody inhibited G1-4A-induced B cell proliferation and degradation of IκB-α suggesting that TLR-4 was a receptor for G1-4A on B cells. Activation of RAW 264.7 macrophages by G1-4A was found to be dependent on ERK and NF-κB-mediated signals. The phagocytosis index in peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) isolated from G1-4A treated mice was significantly higher as compared to that in PEC from control mice. G1-4A administration also increased the number of CD11b+ cells in the PEC without an increase in the total number of PEC. Thus the present understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of G1-4A, a novel non-microbial TLR4 agonist, will pave the way for its application as an immunomodulator and adjuvant.