OBJECTIVEComparing with the classic immuno-supressors, to probe in the in vitro effect of Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) on the differentiation, maturation and function of dentritic cells (DCs), and further to explore its mechanism.

METHODSMice myeloid DCs were cultured respectively with extraction of Bailing Capsule (CSE), a Chinese medical preparation made of CS, Rapamycin and Tacrolimus, and the effect of various drugs on phenotype of DCs was analyzed with flow cytometer. Then, using as the stimulator, the DCs cultured with different drugs were mixed and cultured with heterogenous lymphocytes for observing the stimulating capacity of DCs on cell proliferation.

RESULTSCSE showed no in vitro effect on phenotype markers and co-stimulation molecules of DCs, the difference between CSE and Tacrolimus was insignificant, while Rapamycin could reduce the two parameters. CSE showed a marked suppressive effect on DCs in stimulating leucocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONCSE could affect the stimulating capacity of DCs on cell proliferation, which is probably by means of inhibiting the function of antigen presentating cells to block the presentation of extrinsic signal, and make the low immune response condition, thus to obtain the effect of immunosuppression.