Lycopene inhibits lymphocyte proliferation through mechanisms dependent on early cell activation

Abstract

Scope: Epidemiological evidence suggests that lycopene is potentially cardio-protective. Recruitment and activation of T cells in the arterial wall is a critical process during atherogenesis, but the effects of lycopene on T-cell response remain to be elucidated. We aimed to determine whether lycopene could modulate T-cell function and activity. Methods and results: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 healthy adults were cultured in the presence of lycopene-enriched liposomes (0-2.9 g lycopene/mL) with or without mitogens. Cell cycle as well as the expression of CD69 (marker of early cell activation), CD25 (IL-2 receptor), and CD11a (late activation marker) were measured in T cells, T-helper cells, and T-cytotoxic cells by flow cytometry. IL-2 secretion and cell proliferation were determined by ELISA and [3 H]-thymidine incorporation, respectively. Lycopene significantly inhibited lymphocyte proliferation (up to 40%) in activated cells. Lycopene also significantly inhibited CD69 expression (by up to 12%) as well as IL-2 secretion (by up to 29%). However, CD25 and CD11a expression as well as the cell-cycle profile were unaffected by lycopene. Conclusion: Lycopene influences lymphocyte proliferation through its effects on processes involved in early cellular activation, providing one possible mechanism to explain the beneficial effects of tomato-rich diets against cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular benefits of lycopene: fantasy or reality?

“…Overall, results suggest that lycopene can neutralise reactive oxygen species, as well as reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases by macrophages ( 78 , 79 ) , inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation ( 80 ) and decrease monocyte proliferation ( 81 ) . More recently, work in our group showed that low, physiological concentrations of lycopene can significantly inhibit mitogen-activated T lymphocyte activation by modulating mechanisms involved in early activation ( 82 ) . Lycopene significantly inhibited mitogen-activated lymphocyte proliferation by up to 40 % and also significantly inhibited the expression of an early marker of activation, CD69, as well as IL-2 secretion.…”

Lycopene inhibits endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of choroidal vascular endothelial cells in laser‐induced mouse choroidal neovascularization

“…Endothelial cell proliferation is positively related to EndMT. 30 LYC notably inhibits the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells 31 and SKOV3 cells (a human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line). 32 Data from the present study show that LYC inhibits the hypoxia‐induced proliferation of HCVECs.…”

Effects of Lycopene Attenuating Injuries in Ischemia and Reperfusion

“…As a highly effective antioxidant, lycopene can decrease the risk of disease by neutralizing reactive oxy-gen species (ROS) and reducing oxidative damage of some biomolecules (DNA, proteins, and lipids) [44,45]. In addition, lycopene has also acted through other mechanisms, including anti-inflammation [40], autophagy [46,47], apoptosis [48,49], proliferation [50,51], and pyroptosis [52].…”