Ginsenosides from Korean red ginseng modulate T cell function via the regulation of NF-AT-mediated IL-2 production.

Korean red ginseng is a traditional health food frequently used to prevent or treat various diseases worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory activities of eleven compounds (1-11) isolated from Korean red ginseng, focusing on T cell function. First, the effects of the eleven compounds were studied on the regulation of IL-2, a potent T cell growth factor. Compounds 5, 7, and 9 significantly increased IL-2 secretion in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin (Io)-induced EL-4 T cells. Next, we examined the effects of compounds 5, 7, and 9 on the regulation of transcription factors related to IL-2 production in T cells. Compound 9 significantly increased the PMA/Io-induced promoter activity of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT) in EL-4 T cells, but did not have any significant effects on the promoters of NF- κB. These results suggest that compound 9 activates T cell function via the regulation of NF-AT-mediated IL-2 production.