Description
7-Triethylsilyl-baccatin III is a synthetic intermediate in the synthesis of taxol. Baccatin has traditionally been assumed to be devoid of activity, although many studies have indicated that baccatin exhibits anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. Baccatin decreases the mitochondrial membrane potential and induces caspase 10-dependent apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation. Baccatin also increases tubulin assembly and inhibits tubulin disassembly, altering microtubule polymerization. Additionally, this compound increases presentation of antigen on MHC I and II receptors on dendritic cells in vitro and in vivo.