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

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. •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.