Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Signaling Mechanisms of Natural Compounds/Extracts in In Vitro System of RBL-2H3 Cell: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Various extracts are tested for anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory properties on in vitro models. RBL-2H3 cells are widely used in allergic or immunological studies. FCεRI and its downstream signaling cascades, such as MAPK, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, are important allergic or inflammatory signaling mechanisms in mast and basophil cells. This systematic review aims to study common signaling pathways of the anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory compounds on RBL-2H3 cells. We selected the relevant research articles published after 2015 from the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed based on the modified CONSORT checklist for in vitro studies. The cell lines, treatments, assay, primary findings, and signaling pathways on RBL-2H3 cells were extracted to synthesize the results. Thirty-eight articles were included, and FCεRI and its downstream pathways, such as Lyn, Sky, PLCγ, and MAPK, were commonly studied. Moreover, the JAK/STAT pathway was a potential signaling mechanism in RBL-2H3 cells. However, the findings based on RBL-2H3 cells needed to be tested along with human mast cells to confirm its relevance to human health. In conclusion, a single plant extract may act as an anti-inflammatory reagent in RBL-2H3 cells via multiple signaling pathways besides the MAPK signaling pathway.