Ovatodiolide inhibits the maturation of allergen-induced bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and induction of Th2 cell differentiation

•Ovatodiolide (OVT) inhibits functional maturation of dendritic cells (DCs).•OVT reduced cell surface molecules CD80, CD86, MHC II, and OX40 expression.•OVT suppressed the CD4+ T cells proliferation.•OVT suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-α.

Ovatodiolide was a unique macrocyclic diterpenoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Anisomeles indica. The present study attempted to examine the ovatodiolide effects on dendritic cell (DC) maturation and immuno-stimulatory activities. The effects of ovatodiolide on DC surface molecule expression, cytokine production, and capacity to induce T-cell differentiation were examined in ovalbumin (OVA)/thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-stimulated DCs. Ovatodiolide attenuated the expression of DC surface molecules CD80, CD86, histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, and Th2 subset of CD4+ T cells co-stimulatory molecule-OX40 ligand production. Additionally, ovatodiolide suppressed the CD4+ T cells proliferation, and production of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. This study may be useful to develop ovatodiolide as a therapeutic adjuvant.