Effects of isolated compounds from Catalpa ovata on the T cell-mediated immune responses and proliferation of leukemic cells

Three compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Catalpa ovata (Bignoniaceae) through repeated column chromatography. We investigated the effects of these compounds on T cell-mediated responses for tumor surveillance and proliferation in U937, HL60, and Molt-4 leukemia cells. Compounds 1–3 inhibited proliferation of those cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 3 showed mild effect in Molt-4 cell cytotoxicity. Compound 3 enhanced gene expressions of p53 and IL-4, but decreased IL-2 and IFN-Γ genes in Molt-4 cell. Our findings indicate that compound 3 may enhance T cell-mediated immune responses and anticancer properties.