Neem Leaf Glycoprotein in immunoregulation of cancer

Abstract

Cancer is a disease having global consequences. Though several new strategies and treatments have been developed so far, they often come with malicious side effects and this paved ways for demand of naturally extracted/driven product as potent anti-cancer agent owing to their reduced toxicity and side effects. One such common Indian household plant Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and its extract have variegated immunomodulatory effects as anti-cancer agent. Neem Leaf Glycoprotein (NLGP) modifies immune cells present in the tumor surroundings as well as in the peripheral system, rather than directly attacking the cancer cells. NLGP acts as a natural immunomodulator showing several functions like sustained tumor growth regulation by stimulating central and effector memory cells as a vaccination adjuvant, normalization of angiogenic activities, controls hypoxia, improves immune evasion techniques as well as suppresses the activity of several immunological cells (Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumor-associated macrophages) which promote tumor growth and metastasis in the tumor microenvironment (TME). NLGP prioritises type1 immune-microenvironment which consists of T-bet⁺IFN-γ-producing group 1 innate lymphoid cell (ILC) (ILC1 and natural killer cells), CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells (TC1), and CD4⁺ T helper1 (Th1) cells. In this review we aim to summarize detailed activity of NLGP in cancer immunoregulation.

Keywords: Cancer; Immunoregulation; Neem Leaf Glycoprotein (NLGP); Tumor microenvironment; Type1 immune-microenvironment.