Investigating the Immune Basis of Green Tea Extract Induced Liver Injury in Healthy Donors Expressing HLA-B*35:01

Chem Res Toxicol. 2023 Dec 18;36(12):1872-1875. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00253. Epub 2023 Dec 6.

Abstract

Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) is the major component of green tea extract, commonly found in dietary supplements, and has been associated with immune-mediated liver injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunogenicity of EGCG in healthy donors expressing HLA-B*35:01, and characterize EGCG responsive T-cell clones. We have shown that EGCG can prime peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T-cells from donors with and without the HLA-B*35:01 allele. T-cell clones were CD4+ve and capable of secreting Th1, Th2, and cytolytic molecules. These data demonstrate that EGCG can activate T-cells in vitro, suggesting a significant role in the pathogenesis of green tea extract induced liver injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Catechin* / pharmacology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic*
  • HLA-B Antigens / genetics
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Tea

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Tea
  • HLA-B Antigens
  • Plant Extracts
  • Catechin