Hyperforin-loaded gold nanoparticle alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing Th1 and Th17 cells and upregulating regulatory T cells.

Hyperforin an herbal compound, is commonly used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to use a hyperforin loaded gold nanoparticle (Hyp-GNP) in the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Hyp-GNP and hyperforin significantly reduced clinical severity of EAE, which was accompanied by a decrease in the number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the spinal cord. Additionally, treatment with Hyp-GNP significantly inhibited disease-associated cytokines as well as an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokines in comparison to all groups including the free-hyp group. Furthermore, hyperforin and Hyp-GNP inhibited the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells while promoting Treg and Th2 cell differentiation via regulating their master transcription factors. The current study demonstrated the although, free-hyp improved clinical and laboratory data Hyp-GNP is significantly more efficient than free hyperforin in the treatment of EAE.