Effects of cyclophosphamide on the phenotypes and functions of THP-1 cells

In this study, effects of immunosuppressant cyclophosphamide (CY) on THP-1 cells were observed while 2, 4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was used as a control. The phenotypes of THP-1 cells, the ability to activate naïve T cells, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, gene markers, phagocytic ability and cell apoptosis were detected after THP-1 cells being exposed to different concentrations of CY and DNCB. Both CY and DNCB were able to activate THP-1 cells, but there were a lot of differences in their effects on THP-1 cells, such as the changes in phenotypes, in the ability to activate naïve T cells, in ROS production and in marker gene expression. Firstly, CY down-regulated the expression of CD86 on THP-1 cells while DNCB up-regulated its expression. Secondly, the ability of THP-1 cells to activate naïve T cells was enhanced by CY and suppressed by DNCB. Thirdly, CY raised rapid and transient elevation of ROS level in THP-1 cells, while the effects of DNCB were slower and longer-lasting. Finally, only CY could lead to an increase in heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) expression. Taken all these results into account, we suggested that THP-1 cell line possesses the potency to be an in vitro model of immunosuppressive evaluation. And the surface molecule CD86, the ability to activate naïve T cells, the ROS production and the gene marker HMOX1 of THP-1 cells are promising markers.Graphical abstractEffects of CY and DNCB on THP-1 cellsIn this study, THP-1 cells were exposed t...
Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research