The Effect of Traditional Chinese Formula Danchaiheji on the Differentiation of Regulatory Dendritic Cells

Abstract

Recently, regulatory dendritic cells (DCregs), a newly described dendritic cell subset with potent immunomodulatory function, have attracted increased attention for their utility in treating immune response-related diseases, such as graft-versus-host disease, hypersensitivity, and autoimmune diseases. Danchaiheji (DCHJ) is a traditional Chinese formula that has been used for many years in the clinic. However, whether DCHJ can program dendritic cells towards a regulatory phenotype and the underlying mechanism behind this process remain unknown. Herein, we investigate the effects of traditional Chinese DCHJ on DCregs differentiation and a mouse model of skin transplantation. The current study demonstrates that DCHJ can induce dendritic cells to differentiate into DCregs, which are represented by high CD11b and low CD86 and HLA-DR expression as well as the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β. In addition, DCHJ inhibited DC migration and T cell proliferation, which correlated with increased IDO expression. Furthermore, DCHJ significantly prolonged skin graft survival time in a mouse model of skin transplantation without any liver or kidney toxicity. The traditional Chinese formula DCHJ has the potential to be a potent immunosuppressive agent with high efficiency and nontoxicity.

Complementary and integrative medicine in kidney transplantation

“…This study suggests that CIM, in general, may be a helpful adjuvant therapy for CKD, but the study did not detail the type of CIM used or whether other 'healthy behaviors' were more common in the population. In addition, two studies were conducted on Danchaiheji (DCHJ) and Baicalin root, both traditional Chinese formulae with purported anti-inflammatory properties [12,13]. DCHJ significantly prolonged skin graft survival time in a mouse model of skin transplantation without liver or kidney toxicity and has the potential to be a potent immunosuppressive agent [12].…”

“…In addition, two studies were conducted on Danchaiheji (DCHJ) and Baicalin root, both traditional Chinese formulae with purported anti-inflammatory properties [12,13]. DCHJ significantly prolonged skin graft survival time in a mouse model of skin transplantation without liver or kidney toxicity and has the potential to be a potent immunosuppressive agent [12]. Significantly, baicalin pretreatment in rats undergoing renal ischemia decreased proinflammatory responses and tubular apoptosis, resulting in significant amelioration of renal ischemiareperfusion injury [13].…”

High‐throughput LC–MS method for the rapid characterization of multiple chemical constituents and metabolites of Da‐Bu‐Yin‐Wan

“…A traditional Chinese medicine formula is composed of several herbs under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory. It has the advantages of reducing toxicity, enhancing efficacy, and good therapeutic action, when compared with the single herb . Because the formula is the main form of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of disease, it is the main objective of modern traditional Chinese medicine research .…”