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Distinct Arnica montana L. extracts modulate human T cell activation in different ways via differential inhibition of NFκB and NFAT pathways

Arnica montana L. (Arnica) has a long history of use in treating inflammation and soft tissue injury, yet its immunomodulatory mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of distinct Arnica extracts - derived from different plant parts (root or whole plant) and m...

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Main Authors: Berschneider, Karina M. (Author) , Wetterauer, Bernhard (Author) , Sticht, Carsten (Author) , Orlik, Christian (Author) , Jahraus, Beate (Author) , Kirchgessner, Henning (Author) , Ratushniak, Anastasiia (Author) , Wölfl, Stefan (Author) , Lairikyengbam, Divya (Author) , Beier, Verena (Author) , Wabnitz, Guido H. (Author) , Link, Pille (Author) , Schmiech, Michael (Author) , Samstag, Yvonne (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 15 October 2025
In: Frontiers in immunology
Year: 2025, Volume: 16, Pages: 1-26
ISSN:1664-3224
DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1655212
Online Access:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1655212
Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1655212/full
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Author Notes:Karina M. Berschneider, Bernhard Wetterauer, Carsten Sticht, Christian Orlik, Beate Jahraus, Henning Kirchgessner, Anastasiia Zuieva, Stefan Wölfl, Divya Lairikyengbam, Verena Beier, Guido Wabnitz, Pille Wetterauer, Michael Schmiech and Yvonne Samstag
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Summary:Arnica montana L. (Arnica) has a long history of use in treating inflammation and soft tissue injury, yet its immunomodulatory mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of distinct Arnica extracts - derived from different plant parts (root or whole plant) and manufacturing processes - on primary human T cells. We also compared their effects with those of the pure compounds helenalin and thymol. All extracts inhibited T cell activation and proliferation. This could be traced back to reduced IL-2 responsiveness due to decreased CD25 (IL-2Rα chain) expression, accompanied by reduced IL-2 production. Transcriptomic analysis (nCounter) and gene set enrichment revealed that the extracts target key T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways. Mechanistically, the hydroethanolic root extract selectively inhibited NFκB DNA binding, while the aqueous fermented extract predominantly suppressed NFAT-dependent gene expression. The hydroethanolic whole plant extract exerted a moderate effect on both pathways. These findings identify Arnica extracts as promising modulators of human TCR signaling and support their potential in regulating T cell-driven inflammatory responses, with implications for muscle healing and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Item Description:Veröffentlicht: 15. Oktober 2025
Gesehen am 02.12.2025
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1664-3224
DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1655212

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