Methanolic Leave Extract of Abrus precatorius Induces Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Towards Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius) or locally known as rosary pea, is a type of bean that is traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders. Although the seeds are mainly used, there is lack of focus on the other plant parts, which may be important. In this study, the ability of the A. precatorius methanolic leave extract (APME) to induce anticancer immune response by activating NK cells was analysed via a co-culture experiment of the NK cells using breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Subsequently, analysis of target cell deaths by a flow cytometric analysis was conducted followed by evaluation of cytokines, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels. Degranulation of the cytotoxic granules was determined by quantifying perforin (PRF-1) and granzyme B (GzmB) using ELISA. APME activates NK cells obtained from healthy donors since the stimulated NK cells can induce apoptosis in target cells in-vitro with increased IFN-γ and PRF-1 levels seen. The findings indicate the ability of A. precatorius leaves extract to stimulate NK cells obtained from healthy donors and trigger its cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells.