Caffeic amide derivatives inhibit allergen-induced bone marrow-derived dendritic cell maturation

Background: Caffeic amides are derivatives of caffeic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and high in vivo stability. The therapeutic effect of caffeic amides on allergic diseases, and especially on the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs), remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of caffeic amides on allergic diseases by evaluating the maturation of DCs and evaluated their potential in inducing the differentiation of T _H 2 cells. Methods: BM-DCs isolated from BALB/c mice were treated with different caffeic amide derivatives for 48 h and the expression of surface markers was analyzed by flow cytometry. The differentiation of CD4 ⁺ T cells was detected by the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay and cytokine production was analyzed by ELISA. Results: Our results showed that among the six caffeic amides tested herein, only 36 M significantly inhibited the antigen-induced maturation of DCs associated with the expression of CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex II (VC ovalbumin (OVA)+ thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) vs. 36 M OVA + TSLP). Additionally, the isolation and co-culture of antigen-specific CD4 ⁺ T cells with 36 M-treated BM-DCs suppressed the antigen-specific differentiation of T _H 2 cells. Conclusion: Among the six caffeic amides tested herein, 36 M (N-octyl caffeamide) might possess therapeutic potential for allergic diseases.