Arch Pharm Res
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The anti-cancer activity of mistletoe has been ascribed to a combination of cytotoxic and immunological effects. We previously showed that Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin, VCA) can stimulate IFN-gamma production and modulate proliferation in murine splenocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of VCA on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) and T-lymphocytes. ⋯ In addition, it was shown that VCA could induce IL-2 secretion was dose-dependently increased by VCA in stimulated (anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies) (at 0.25-2 ng/mL) and non-stimulated (at 3-25 pg/mL) human T-lymphocytes. Also, at low and non-toxic concentrations of VCA, the RT-PCR result confirmed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-gamma. These data may suggest new perspective to modulate the balance between cell growth, cytokine production and programmed cell death therapeutically.