3,10-Dihydroxy-decanoic acid, isolated from royal jelly, stimulates Th1 polarising capability of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Different pharmacologically active components have been isolated from royal jelly. Some of them possess imunomodulatory activity, but the mechanisms of their effect on the immune system have not been elucidated yet. In this study we tested the effect of 3,10-dihydroxy-decanoic acid (3,10-DDA), a fatty acid isolated from royal jelly, on maturation and functions of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). We showed that 3,10-DDA stimulated maturation of MoDCs by up-regulating the expression of CD40, CD54, CD86 and CD1a, and increased their allostimulatory potential in co-culture with allogeneic CD4+T cells. 3,10-DDA-treated MoDCs enhanced the production of IL-12 and IL-18, and stimulated the production of interferon-γ in co-culture with allogeneic CD4+T cells, compared to control MoDCs. In contrast, the production of IL-10 was down-regulated. In conclusion, our results suggest that 3,10-DDA stimulates maturation and Th1 polarising capability of human MoDCs in vitro, which could be beneficial for anti-tumour and anti-viral immune responses.