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Immunomodulatory effects of caffeine: friend or foe?

Pharmacology & therapeutics (2006-03-17)
Louise A Horrigan, John P Kelly, Thomas J Connor
ABSTRACT

Caffeine is a member of the methylxanthine family of drugs, and is the most widely consumed behaviourally active substance in the western world. This article is focused on the impact of caffeine on immune function. In this regard, a number of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that caffeine modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses. For instance studies indicate that caffeine and its major metabolite paraxanthine suppress neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis, and also suppress production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha from human blood. Caffeine has also been reported to suppress human lymphocyte function as indicated by reduced T-cell proliferation and impaired production of Th1 (interleukin [IL]-2 and interferon [IFN]-gamma), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5) and Th3 (IL-10) cytokines. Studies also indicate that caffeine suppresses antibody production. The evidence suggests that at least some of the immunomodulatory actions of caffeine are mediated via inhibition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-phosphodiesterase (PDE), and consequential increase in intracellular cAMP concentrations. Overall, these studies indicate that caffeine, like other members of the methylxanthine family, is largely anti-inflammatory in nature, and based on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine, we suggest that many of its immunomodulatory effects occur at concentrations that are relevant to normal human consumption. Finally, the potential of caffeine-induced immunomodulation to significantly impact upon health and well-being are discussed.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
Caffeine solution, analytical standard, 1.0 mg/mL in methanol
Supelco
Melting point standard 235-237°C, analytical standard
Caffeine for system suitability, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Supelco
Caffeine solution, 1.0 mg/mL in methanol, ampule of 1 mL, certified reference material, Cerilliant®
Supelco
Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME 18872, Caffeine, traceable to primary standards (LGC)
Supelco
Caffeine, certified reference material, TraceCERT®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland
Caffeine, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Supelco
Caffeine Melting Point Standard, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
Supelco
Caffeine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, SAJ special grade, ≥98.5%
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, meets USP testing specifications, anhydrous
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, BioXtra
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, powder, ReagentPlus®
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, anhydrous, tested according to Ph. Eur.
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, anhydrous, 99%, FCC, FG
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, Sigma Reference Standard, vial of 250 mg