Thymoquinone Effect on Monocyte-Derived Macrophages, Cell-Surface Molecule Expression, and Phagocytosis

Macrophages are one of the most important cells in the immune system. They act as links between innate and adaptive immunities. In this study, the aim was to examine thymoquinone effects on the immunological properties of different macrophages. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from blood from healthy volunteers by negative selection of monocytes that had been cultured for seven days to differentiate into macrophages. Cells were cultured with or without the presence of thymoquinone (TQ), which was used in two different concentrations (50 mu g/mL and 100 mu g/mL. Cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80), cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86), and human leukocyte antigen DR isotype (HLA-DR) were measured by flow cytometry, and the secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured. Cells were also tested for their E. coli phagocytosis abilities. The data showed that the expression of HLA-DR was significantly higher in cells treated with 100 mu L/mL TQ. In addition, IFN-gamma concentration increased in the 100 mu g/mL TQ-treated cells. The macrophage phagocytosis results showed a significant difference in 50 mu g/mL TQ-treated cells compared to the controls. TQ may enhance the immunological properties of macrophages during the early stages of innate immunity by activating phagocytosis ability and by increasing the expression of HLA-DR and the secretion of IFN-gamma, which may enhance the antigen-presentation capabilities of macrophages.

Automated summary

This study found that thymoquinone can enhance the immunological properties of macrophages by activating phagocytosis ability and increasing the expression of HLA-DR and the secretion of IFN-gamma. This may enhance the antigen-presentation capabilities of macrophages.