Differential regulation of CD4(+) T cell subsets by Silymarin in vitro and in ovalbumin immunized mice

CD4(+) T cell subsets including regulatory T cells (Tregs), Th1 and Th17 are critical for control and development of inflammation and autoimmunity. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of silymarin, a well-known herbal medicine on differentiation and function of Tregs and Th1 and Th17 responses. For in vitro study, mice splenocytes treated with 20–30 μg/ml silymarin were evaluated for gene expressions of specific transcription factors and cytokines of CD4(+) T cell subsets using real-time PCR. Induction of Treg cell development in the presence of silymarin was performed on isolated naïve CD4(+) T cells. Effect of silymarin-induced Tregs on T cell suppression was determined by CFSE labeling method. Results of this part showed that silymarin significantly decreased IFNγ, RORγt and IL-17 gene expressions and upregulated Foxp3, TGF-β and IL-10 mRNA. More silymarin-enhanced naïve CD4(+) T cells differentiated to Tregs (67%) than the control (47%). Silymarin-induced Tregs reduced proliferation of naïve activated T cells (<50%). For in vivo study, mice were immunized with ovalbumin (Ova) on days 1 and 14. Silymarin (100 mg/Kg) was intraperitoneally administered two days before the first Ova challenge followed by on every day for two weeks. Splenocytes were then isolated for assessment of CD4(+) T cell subsets and ex vivo analysis using flow cytometry. Treatment of Ova-immunized mice with silymarin increased Tregs (11.24 ± 1.2%, p < 0.01(but decreased Th1 (1.72 ± 0.4%, p < 0.001) and Th17 (1.07 ± 0.04%, p < 0.001) cells. Ex vivo Ova challenge of splenocytes from Ova-immunized mice treated with silymarin decreased proliferation of splenocytes, IFNγ (2.76% of control) and IL-17 (<8%) along with increased TGF-β (59.7%) expressions in CD4(+)T-bet(+), CD4(+)RORγt(+) and CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells, respectively. In conclusion, silymarin promoted Treg differentiation and function and decreased Th1 and Th17 cells. Silymarin may differentially regulate CD4(+) T cell responses which can provide potential benefits for its use as treatment of immune-related diseases. [Figure: see text] ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s40199-018-0229-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.