Ginseng and aluminium hydroxide act synergistically as vaccine adjuvants

Ginseng Polysaccharide Enhances the Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 RBD Protein Subunit Vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic remarkably accelerated vaccine research progress. The role of adjuvants in enhancing vaccine immune intensity and influencing immune types has been considered. Ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) has been demonstrated to have strong immunoregulatory properties. It is important to explore the feasibility of adding GPS to vaccine adjuvant components to improve the immune response effect of RBD vaccines. Here, we prepared a SARS-CoV-2 RBD antigen using the Escherichia coli expression system and determined that subcutaneous administration of GPS at a dose of 40 mg/kg could effectively activate dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MΦ) in mice. Compared with the RBD group, the RBD+GPS triggered stronger and persistent antibody responses. It is also notable that higher levels of RBD-specific IgG and IgA were distributed in the lungs of RBD+GPS-immunized BALB/c mice. In addition, the RBD+GPS also resulted in lower percentages of IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cells and higher percentages of IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells and CD8+ Tcm cells. These results suggest that GPS could be a promising vaccine immuno-enhancer for SARS-CoV-2 RBD subunit vaccines to establish stronger systemic and pulmonary mucosal protective immunity.

Ginsenoside Rb1 enhanced immunity and altered the gut microflora in mice immunized by H1N1 influenza vaccine

Background

Influenza is an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus that seriously damages human health, and the essential way to prevent influenza is the influenza vaccine. Vaccines without adjuvants produce insufficient specific antibodies and therefore require adjuvants to boost antibody titers. Microbes and hosts are a community that needs to "promote bacteria," which could provide new value for the immune effect.

Methods

(1) The H1N1 influenza vaccine, in combination with Ginsenoside Rb1, was co-injected into mice intraperitoneally (I.P.). Then, immunoglobulin G and antibody subtype levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, mice were infected with a lethal dose of the H1N1 influenza virus (A/Michigan/45/2015), and survival status was recorded for 14 days. Lung tissues were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and ELISA detected inflammatory factor expression levels. (2) Mice were immunized with Ginsenoside Rb1 combined with quadrivalent influenza inactivated vaccine(IIV4), and then IgG levels were measured by ELISA. (3) Fresh stool was collected for fecal 16S rDNA analysis.

Results

Ginsenoside Rb1 boosted IgG and antibody subtypes in the H1N1 influenza vaccine, improved survival of mice after virus challenge, attenuated lung histopathological damage, and reduced inflammatory cytokines expression in IL-6 and TNF-α. The results of 16S rDNA showed that Rb1 decreased species diversity but increased species richness compared to the PBS group and increased the abundance of Akkermansiaceae and Murbaculaceae at the Family and Genus levels compared with the HA+Alum group.

Conclusion

Ginsenoside Rb1 has a boosting effect on the immune efficacy of the H1N1 influenza vaccine and is promising as a novel adjuvant to regulate the microecological balance and achieve an anti-infective effect.

A single dose of Astragalus saponins adjuvanted inactivated vaccine for pseudorabies virus protected mice against lethal challenge

Pseudorabies (PR) is an important infectious disease of swine that causes enormous economic losses to the swine industry in China. Immunization with vaccines is a routine practice to control this disease. PRV inactivated vaccines usually require a booster vaccination to provide complete immune protection. Therefore, Astragalus saponins (AST) have been added as an immunopotentiator to improve the immune efficacy and reduce the immunization times for the PRV inactivated vaccine. The results in mice have shown that a single dose of AST-adjuvanted PRV inactivated vaccine promoted higher production of gB-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a and neutralizing antibody, secretion of Th1-type (IFN-γ) and Th2-type (IL-4) cytokines, and lymphocyte proliferation than mice immunized without AST. Compared to mice immunized without AST, a single dose of the AST-adjuvanted PRV inactivated vaccine improved the survival percentage of mice and reduced the PRV viral loads in the lungs and brains after lethal challenge. In summary, AST was an effective immunopotentiator to improve the immune efficacy of a single dose PRV inactivated vaccine.

Anti-melanogenic property of ginsenoside Rf from Panax ginseng via inhibition of CREB/MITF pathway in melanocytes and ex vivo human skin

Background

Ginsenosides of Panax ginseng are used to enhance skin health and beauty. The present study aimed to investigate the potential use of ginsenoside Rf (Rf) from Panax ginseng as a new anti-pigmentation agent.

Methods

The anti-melanogenic effects of Rf were explored. The transcriptional activity of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) and the expression levels of tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and tyrosinase-related proteins (Tyrps) were evaluated in melanocytes and UV-irradiated ex vivo human skin.

Results

Rf significantly inhibited Forskolin (FSK) or UV-stimulated melanogenesis. Consistently, cellular tyrosinase activity and levels of MITF, tyrosinase, and Tyrps were downregulated. Furthermore, Rf suppressed MITF promoter activity, which was stimulated by FSK or CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3) overexpression. Increased CREB phosphorylation and protein kinase A (PKA) activity induced by FSK were also mitigated in the presence of Rf.

Conclusion

Rf can be used as a reliable anti-pigmentation agent, which has a scientifically confirmed and reproducible action mechanism, via inhibition of CREB/MITF pathway.

The Experimental Role of Medicinal Plants in Treatment of Toxoplasma gondii Infection: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasma gondii is the global protozoa that could cause contamination in warm-blooded animals and is considered among the opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients. Among the people at risk, toxoplasmosis infection can lead to the incidence of severe clinical manifestations, encephalitis, chorioretinitis, and even death.

PURPOSE

The present research is focused on the new research for the treatment of toxoplasmosis parasitic disease using medicinal herbs.

METHODS

The search was performed in five English databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar up from 2010 to December 2019. Studies in any language were entered in the searching step if they had an English abstract. The words and terms were used as a syntax with specific tags of each database.

RESULTS

Out of 1832 studies, 36 were eligible to be reviewed. The findings showed that 17 studies (47%) were performed in vitro, 14 studies (39%) in vivo, and 5 studies (14%) both in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

The studies showed that the plant extracts can be a good alternative in reducing the toxoplasmosis effects in the host and the herbal extracts can be used to produce natural product-based drugs affecting toxoplasmosis with fewer side-effects than synthetic drugs.

Adjuvant effect of saponin in an oil-based monovalent (serotype O) foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine on the antibody response in guinea pigs and cattle

To enhance the potency of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, saponin was included in the vaccine formula. In this study, the combined effect of Montanide ISA 50 and saponin was evaluated. Two experiments were performed in guinea pigs and one in cattle to determine the optimal antigen and saponin doses. Only serotype O of foot-and-mouth disease virus (O/PanAsia-2 of ME-SA topotype) was employed in preparation of the monovalent vaccine. All animals were immunized twice with a four-week interval, except for the negative controls. Blood was collected 10 days after the second booster, and the immune response was evaluated using a serum neutralization test. Oil-based FMD vaccines containing saponin induced higher neutralizing antibody levels than formulations lacking saponin. The addition of saponin to formulations with low antigen payload (2.5 µg of inactivated whole virus particles [146S particles] per dose) gave significantly higher neutralizing antibody levels (p < 0.005) than 5 µg of 146S without saponin, suggesting that it can be used to improve FMD vaccine potency in susceptible animals. No adverse effects were observed in vaccinated cattle or guinea pigs.

Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug-Delivery Systems: From the Development to the Current Applications and Challenges in Oral Drug Delivery

Approximately one third of newly discovered drug molecules show insufficient water solubility and therefore low oral bio-availability. Self-nano-emulsifying drug-delivery systems (SNEDDSs) are one of the emerging strategies developed to tackle the issues associated with their oral delivery. SNEDDSs are composed of an oil phase, surfactant, and cosurfactant or cosolvent. SNEDDSs characteristics, their ability to dissolve a drug, and in vivo considerations are determinant factors in the choice of SNEDDSs excipients. A SNEDDS formulation can be optimized through phase diagram approach or statistical design of experiments. The characterization of SNEDDSs includes multiple orthogonal methods required to fully control SNEDDS manufacture, stability, and biological fate. Encapsulating a drug in SNEDDSs can lead to increased solubilization, stability in the gastro-intestinal tract, and absorption, resulting in enhanced bio-availability. The transformation of liquid SNEDDSs into solid dosage forms has been shown to increase the stability and patient compliance. Supersaturated, mucus-permeating, and targeted SNEDDSs can be developed to increase efficacy and patient compliance. Self-emulsification approach has been successful in oral drug delivery. The present review gives an insight of SNEDDSs for the oral administration of both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds from the experimental bench to marketed products.

The Trypanosoma cruzi TcTASV-C protein subfamily administrated with U-Omp19 promotes a protective response against a lethal challenge in mice

The development of a Chagaś disease vaccine has yet the need for the identification of novel combinations of antigens and adjuvants. Here, the performance of TcTASV-C proteins that are virulence factors of trypomastigotes and belong to a novel surface protein family specific for T. cruzi, have been evaluated as antigens for a prophylactic vaccine. Several immunization schemes in which TcTASV-C was combined with aluminum hydroxide, saponin and/or U-Omp19 were assayed. Aluminum hydroxide and saponin were assayed together to trigger different pathways of the immune response simultaneously. U-Omp19 is a promising novel adjuvant able to promote a Th1 immune response with IFNg production, thus an interesting molecule to be tested as adjuvant for the control of T. cruzi infection. Therefore, U-Omp19 was added to the aluminum hydroxide-saponin formulation as well as assayed individually with TcTASV-C. The immunization with TcTASV-C and U-Omp19 had the best performance as a prophylactic vaccine. Mice presented the lowest parasitemias and improved survival by 40% after being challenged with a highly virulent T. cruzi strain, which promoted 100% mortality in all other immunized groups. Immunization with TcTASV-C and U-Omp19 triggered cellular responses with IFN-γ and IL-17 production and with lytic antibodies that could explain the protection achieved by this vaccination scheme. To our knowledge, this is the first time that U-Omp19 is tested with a defined T. cruzi antigen in a vaccine formulation.

Neurotoxic effects of combined exposures to aluminum and mercury in early life (infancy)

Aluminum and mercury are environmentally ubiquitous. Individually they are both neurotoxic elements with shared neuro-pathogenic pathways: oxidative stress, altered neurotransmission, and disruption of the neuroendocrine and immune systems. In the infant, Al and Hg differ in type of exposure, absorption, distribution (brain access), and metabolism. In environmentally associated exposure (breast milk and infant formulas) their co-occurrences fluctuate randomly, but in Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) they occur combined in a proprietary ratio; in these cases, low-doses of Thimerosal-ethylmercury (EtHg) and adjuvant-Al present the most widespread binary mixture in less developed countries. Although experimental studies at low doses of the binary Hg and Al mixture are rare, when studied individually they have been shown to affect neurological outcomes negatively. In invitro systems, comparative neurotoxicity between Al and Hg varies in relation to the measured parameters but seems less for Al than for Hg. While neurotoxicity of environmental Hg (mainly fish methyl-Hg, MeHg) is associated with neurobehavioral outcomes in children, environmental Al is not associated, except in certain clinical conditions. Therefore, the issues of their neurotoxic effects (singly or combined) are discussed. In the infant (up to six months) the organic-Hg and Al body burdens from a full TCV schedule are estimated to reach levels higher than that originating from breastfeeding or from high aluminum soy-based formulas. Despite worldwide exposure to both Al and Hg (inorganic Hg, MeHg, and Thimerosal/EtHg), our knowledge on this combined exposure is insufficient to predict their combined neurotoxic effects (and with other co-occurring neurotoxicants).

Water-soluble N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan enhanced the immunogenicity of inactivated porcine parvovirus vaccine vaccination on sows against porcine parvovirus infection

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is one of the most common and important virus causes of infectious infertility in swine throughout the world. Inactivated PPV vaccine is broadly used, however, there is no appropriate immunomodulatory adjuvant for enhancing present vaccines and developing new ones. Therefore, in this study, the water-soluble N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (N-2-HACC) was synthesized, the adjuvant potential of chitosan derivative was evaluated in inactivated PPV vaccine. Twenty adult healthy sows were assigned to four groups and vaccinated with synthesized PPV/N-2-HACC, commercial inactivated vaccine, N-2-HACC adjuvant and PBS. After insemination, all sows were challenged with the homologous PPV-H strain. In vivo immunization showed that sows immunized with the PPV/N-2-HACC induced more long-lasting HI antibodies and strong immune responses. Importantly, immunization of PPV/N-2-HACC significantly protected sows from homologous PPV-H strain infection. However, immunization of PPV/N-2-HACC didn't change the level of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ and the production of CD4+, CD8 + T lymphocyte. The results indicated that PPV/N-2-HACC protect PPV infection mainly through enhancing the humoral immunity rather than cellular immunity. In addition, the mummified fetuses were observed from the control groups, but neither of the two vaccine groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that N-2-HACC can be exploited as an effective adjuvant for vaccine development, and the PPV/N-2-HACC are potent immunization candidates against PPV infection.

A Solution with Ginseng Saponins and Selenium as Vaccine Diluent to Increase Th1/Th2 Immune Responses in Mice

Pseudorabies is an important infectious disease of swine, and immunization using attenuated pseudorabies virus (aPrV) vaccine is a routine practice to control this disease in swine herds. This study was to evaluate a saline solution containing ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS) and sodium selenite (Se) as a vaccine adjuvant for its enhancement of immune response to aPrV vaccine. The results showed that aPrV vaccine diluted with saline containing GSLS-Se (aP-GSe) induced significantly higher immune responses than that of the vaccine diluted with saline alone (aP-S). The aP-GSe promoted higher production of gB-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a, neutralizing antibody titers, secretion of Th1-type (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12), and Th2-type (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) cytokines, and upregulated the T-bet/GATA-3 mRNA expression when compared to aP-S. In addition, cytolytic activity of NK cells, lymphocyte proliferation, and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was also significantly increased by aP-GSe. More importantly, aP-GSe conferred a much higher resistance of mice to a field virulent pseudorabies virus (fPrV) challenge. As the present study was conducted in mice, further study is required to evaluate the aP-GSe to improve the vaccination against PrV in swine.

Application of red clover isoflavone extract as an adjuvant in mice

In the present study, the safety of red clover isoflavone extract (RCIE) and its potential adjuvant effects on the cellular and humoral immune responses to ovalbumin (OVA) were evaluated using an ICR mouse model. On day 1, the mice were first subcutaneously immunized with 100 µg OVA, 100 µg OVA + 200 µg aluminum hydroxide gel (alum) or OVA + 50, 100 or 200 µg RCIE (RCIE + OVA), following which booster immunization was performed on day 15. After 2 weeks, the stimulation of splenocyte proliferation and levels of serum antibodies were measured. No notable stress responses were observed after the initial and booster immunization. Splenocyte proliferation was significantly increased in mice immunized with OVA + 100 µg RCIE (P<0.01). The levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies in serum were also significantly increased in OVA + RCIE groups compared with the OVA control group (P<0.05). In the OVA + RCIE groups, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-10 were increased, and the mRNA expression levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, T-bet and GATA-3 were also significantly increased compared with the OVA control group (P<0.05) in splenocytes. In addition, as an adjuvant, RCIE significantly increased the survival rates of mice inoculated with an E. coli vaccine and enhanced the early immune protection against pathogenic E. coli. In conclusion, these findings suggest that RCIE can be used as a safe vaccine adjuvant and supports its use in clinical applications.

Safety and long-lasting immunity of the combined administration of a modified-live virus vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 and an inactivated vaccine against porcine parvovirus and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in breeding pigs

Background

In the field, vaccination schedules based on modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines administered twice in gilts and every three to four months in sows are commonly used to immunize breeding herds against porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV). Breeding sows are repeatedly vaccinated against several other agents. Thus, the combined administration of vaccines for their simultaneous use can simplify such complex immunization schedules. Here, we evaluated the safety and long-term immunity of the authorized combined administration of a PRRSV MLV vaccine and an inactivated vaccine against porcine parvovirus (PPV) and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae for their simultaneous use.

Six-month-old naïve healthy gilts were vaccinated at day 0 and revaccinated at days 21 and 147, mimicking the abovementioned vaccination schedule. Systemic and local reactions, as well as body temperature, were measured. The excretion of PRRSV1 MLV was evaluated in oral fluids. Humoral responses against the three antigens were measured by ELISA. For PRRSV, homologous neutralizing antibodies (NAs) and homologous and heterologous cell-mediated immunity (CMI) were also assessed.

Results

The combined administration of the tested vaccines, applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, was safe based on all evaluated parameters. Overall, we detected antibodies against PPV and PRRSV in all vaccinated pigs already after the first vaccination, whereas antibodies against E. rhusiopathiae were observed in all animals after revaccination. After subsequent revaccinations, we observed boosts for the humoral response for PPV at days 28 and 154 and at day 154 for E. rhusiopathiae. No boosts were detected during the experiment by PRRSV ELISA. In all vaccinated animals, homologous NAs against MLV were already detected before revaccination (day 21). After revaccination, there was a boost with mean titres of homologous NAs remaining constant thereafter. Concerning CMI, PRRSV-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells were already detected at day 21 for all evaluated strains and we observed boosts for all PRRSV1 strains after revaccination and recall revaccination.

Conclusions

We showed that the combined administration of tested vaccines described here using a vaccination schedule against PRRSV commonly implemented for breeding pigs in the field is safe and induces long-lasting humoral and cellular immunity against PRRSV, PPV, and E. rhusiopathiae.

Rhoptry antigens as Toxoplasma gondii vaccine target

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection, caused by a unicellular protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. It is estimated that over one-third of the world's population has been exposed and are latently infected with the parasite. In humans, toxoplasmosis is predominantly asymptomatic in immunocompetent persons, while among immunocompromised individuals may be cause severe and progressive complications with poor prognosis. Moreover, seronegative pregnant mothers are other risk groups for acquiring the infection. The life cycle of T. gondii is very complex, indicating the presence of a plurality of antigenic epitopes. Despite of great advances, recognize and construct novel vaccines for prevent and control of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals is still remains a great challenge for researchers to select potential protein sequences as the ideal antigens. Notably, in several past years, constant efforts of researchers have made considerable advances to elucidate the different aspects of the cell and molecular biology of T. gondii mainly on microneme antigens, dense granule antigens, surface antigens, and rhoptry proteins (ROP). These attempts thereby provided great impetus to the present focus on vaccine development, according to the defined subcellular components of the parasite. Although, currently there is no commercial vaccine for use in humans. Among the main identified T. gondii antigens, ROPs appear as a putative vaccine candidate that are vital for invasion procedure as well as survival within host cells. Overall, it is estimated that they occupy about 1%–30% of the total parasite cell volume. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress of ROP-based vaccine development through various strategies from DNA vaccines, epitope or multi epitope-based vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines to vaccines based on live-attenuated vectors and prime-boost strategies in different mouse models.

An immunopotentiator, ophiopogonin D, encapsulated in a nanoemulsion as a robust adjuvant to improve vaccine efficacy

As an ingredient of vaccines, adjuvants are indispensable for enhancing and directly inducing robust and extensive adaptive immune responses associated with vaccine antigens. In this study, we initially determined that a new molecular immunopotentiator, ophiopogonin D (OP-D), enhanced the antibody response to antigen. Because OP-D has certain disadvantages, including poor solubility, we next encapsulated OP-D in a nanoemulsion adjuvant (nanoemulsion-encapsulated OP-D, NOD) using low-energy emulsification methods. The NOD thus produced was small, with an average size of 76.45 nm, and exhibited good distribution (PdI value 0.16), significantly increasing the solubility of OP-D. Furthermore, NOD exhibited reduced cellular toxicity and acute toxicity. Our results showed that a fusion antigen of MRSA (HlaH_35LIsdB_348-465) formulated with NOD significantly improved humoral and cellular immune responses compared to those observed in the antigen/OP-D and antigen/AlPO₄ groups. Compared with antigen/OP-D, the antigen formulated with NOD more effectively promoted antigen uptake by dendritic cells (DCs) and the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Moreover, the NOD-formulated antigen had ideal protective efficacy in a MRSA sepsis model by inducing more potent antibody responses and a Th1/Th17-biased CD4⁺ T cell immune response. Therefore, these results suggest that NOD is a promising and robust adjuvant platform for a MRSA vaccine.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

We first identified a new powerful immunopotentiator, Ophiopogonin D, among dozens of natural products and then used nanotechnology to construct a highly efficient and low toxic adjuvant system (NOD). Our approach intersects natural medicinal chemistry, nanomaterials and immunology, revealing that a strong adjuvant activity of this adjuvant system was verified in vitro and in vivo, and the application of MRSA subunit vaccine model for survival experiments achieved a 100% protection rate. This research illustrate that NOD is a promising and robust adjuvant platform for subunit vaccines.

Studies of the effects and mechanisms of ginsenoside Re and Rk3 on myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide

Background

Ginsenoside Re (Re) is one of the major components of Panax ginseng Meyer. Ginsenoside Rk₃ (Rk₃) is a secondary metabolite of Re. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects and underlying mechanisms of Re and Rk₃ on cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression.

Methods

The mice myelosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide. Peripheral blood cells, bone marrow nucleated cells, and colony yield of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro were counted. The levels of erythropoietin, thrombopoietin, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone marrow cell cycle was performed by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptotic protein bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3 was detected by Western blotting.

Results

Both Re and Rk₃ could improve peripheral blood cells, bone marrow nucleated cell counts, thymus index, and spleen index. Furthermore, they could enhance the yield of colonies cultured in vitro and make the levels of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, erythropoietin, and thrombopoietin normal, reduce the ratio of G₀/G₁ phase cells, and increase the proliferation index. Finally, Re and Rk₃ could upregulate the expression of bcl-2, whereas they could downregulate the expression of bax and caspase-3.

Conclusion

Re and Rk₃ could improve the hematopoietic function of myelosuppressed mice. The effect of Rk₃ was superior to that of Re at any dose. Regulating the levels of cytokines, promoting cells enter the normal cell cycle, regulating the balance of bcl-2/bax, and inhibiting the expression of caspase-3 may be the effects of Re and Rk₃ on myelosuppression.

Saponin-adjuvanted vaccine protects chickens against velogenic Newcastle disease virus

Despite extensive vaccination campaigns, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) remains endemic in many countries worldwide, and factors that contribute to this failure include mismatched vaccines, partial immunization, and poor husbandry practices. In order to overcome the problem of genetic divergence between circulating field strains and vaccine strains, we saponin-adjuvanted an Egyptian field strain and assessed its safety and immunogenicity in chickens. Immunization of chickens with the vaccine followed by challenge with a velogenic reference strain revealed the potential of the saponin-adjuvanted vaccine to induce a strong immune response that resulted in complete protection of chickens. Importantly, in vaccinated chickens, virus shedding was abolished, providing an added advantage over the currently available commercial live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines, which are unable to prevent shedding. A histopathological investigation demonstrated that the vaccinated chickens had less-severe lesions than challenged unvaccinated and mock-vaccinated chickens. We propose using this formulation as an alternative and improved NDV vaccine platform that can be exploited to control disease not only in Egypt but also in other disease-endemic countries.

Soybean oil containing ginseng saponins as adjuvants promotes production of cytokines and enhances immune responses to foot-and-mouth disease vaccine

In the present study, the adjuvant effect of soybean oil containing ginseng root saponins (SO-GS-R) on the immune response to foot-and-mouth disease vaccine (FMDV) in mice was investigated. When immunized with FMDV antigen emulsified in an SO-GS-R formulation, mice generated remarkably higher serum antibody and cytokine responses than mice immunized with FMDV antigen alone. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the adjuvant effect of SO-GS-R, we measured cytokines in serum and muscle tissue after intramuscular injection of SO-GS-R. The results showed that injection of SO-GS-R significantly increased the levels of IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, G-CSF, KC, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β in both serum and muscle. These results suggested that SO-GS-R recruits neutrophils, eosinophils, T cells and macrophages, causing immune cell recruitment at the injection site, driving antigen-presenting cells to actively participate in the onset of immunity, and amplifying the immune responses. Considering its adjuvant activity and plant-derived properties, SO-GS-R should be further studied for its adjuvant effect on vaccines used in food animals.

Greater efficacy of the ECMS-oil adjuvant over other formulations on immune responses against Bordetella bronchiseptica in rabbits and the underlying mechanism

In this study, the adjuvant effects of the extract of Cochinchina momordica seed ECMS+oil, oil alone, ECMS alone, conventional alum adjuvant on inactivated Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) vaccine or control using antigen alone without adjuvant were evaluated along with the underlying mechanism. The results in experiment A demonstrated that antibody levels in Bb whole cell protein in the ECMS800μg+oil group were significantly higher than in the other adjuvant groups (p<0.05) on day 21. The agglutination antibody titer was also higher than the other groups (p<0.05) on day 37. The ECMS800μg+oil group improved cellular immune responses compared to other adjuvant groups, including control using antigen alone without adjuvant and the PBS group (p<0.05). After Bb challenge, the ECMS800μg+oil group showed the highest protection rate, which was significantly higher than ECMS alone or control using antigen alone without adjuvant and the PBS group (p<0.05 and p<0.01). IgA cells in the ECMS800μg+oil group differed significantly from the IgA cells of other groups in the lungs (p<0.01). The results of cell recruitment showed that the number of lymphocytes in the ECMS400μg+oil were higher than the number of cells for other groups except the ECMS(100μg/800μg)+oil groups (p<0.05). Intermediate cells in the ECMS(100μg/400μg)+oil groups were higher than the number of cells for other groups, including the control using antigen alone group (p<0.05). Neutrophils in the ECMS(100μg/400μg/800μg)+oil groups were significantly higher than the ECMS 800μg and control using antigen alone groups (p<0.05). White blood cells in the ECMS100μg+oil group were significantly higher than the oil, ECMS800μg and control using antigen alone groups (p<0.05). IL-2 expression in the ECMS800μg+oil group was significantly higher than other groups, except for the ECMS400μg+oil group (p<0.05). IL-4 expression in the ECMS800μg+oil group was significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). GATA3 in the ECMS800μg+oil groups was significantly higher than the oil, ECMS800μg and control using antigen alone group (p<0.05). ECMS-oil adjuvant mixture could most effectively protect B. bronchiseptica immunized rabbits and, therefore, could be an alternative way of improving B. bronchiseptica vaccination in rabbits.

Improved immune response to an attenuated pseudorabies virus vaccine by ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS) in combination with thimerosal (TS)

Vaccination using attenuated vaccines remains an important method to control animal infectious diseases. The present study evaluated ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS) and thimerosal (TS) for their adjuvant effect on an attenuated pseudorabies virus (aPrV) vaccine in mice. Compared to the group immunized with aPrV alone, the co-inoculation of GSLS and/or TS induced a higher antibody response. Particularly, when administered together with GSLS-TS, the aPrV vaccine provoked a higher serum gB-specific antibody, IgG1 and IgG2a levels, lymphocyte proliferative responses, as well as production of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-5 and IL-10) from lymphocytes, and more importantly provided an enhanced cytotoxicity of NK cells and protection against virulent field pseudorabies virus challenge. Additionally, the increased expression of miR-132, miR-146a, miR-147 and miR-155 was found in murine macrophages cultured with GSLS and/or TS. These data suggest that GSLS-TS as adjuvant improve the efficacy of aPrV vaccine in mouse model and have potential for the development of attenuated viral vaccines.

The antimicrobial properties of ginseng and ginseng extracts

Ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and an adaptogen to reduce fatigue and boost the immune system. In recent years, ginseng extracts are shown to have both bacteriostatic and bactericidal actions and seem to exert their effects by several mechanisms, including disruption of biofilms, inhibition of quorum-sensing and virulence factors, and altering motility. Also, ginseng extracts are shown to have antifungal properties as demonstrated by their ability to inhibit the growth of several mold and yeast species. Extracts from ginseng root have a strong antiviral activity against the RNA viruses in cell cultures and animal models. In addition to the antimicrobial activities, ginseng extracts are shown to possess immunomodulatory properties involved in the amelioration of infections. The present paper describes the antimicrobial effects of ginseng and its extracts.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Red Ginseng By-product on Laying Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Serum Immunoglobulin and Microbial Population in Laying Hens

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of red ginseng by-product (RGB) on the laying performance, blood biochemistry, and microbial population in laying hens. A total of 120 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (75 weeks old) were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 4 replicates per treatment. A commercial-type basal diet was prepared, and 2 additional diets were prepared by supplementing 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg of RGB to the basal diet at the expense of corn. The diets were fed to hens on an ad libitum basis for 4 weeks. There were no differences in feed intake, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio during 4 weeks of the feeding trial. However, hen-day egg production was significantly greater (p<0.05) for the RGB treatment groups than that for the basal treatment group. There were no differences in triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase during the 4-week feeding trial. However, RGB supplementation increased (p<0.05) the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM content compared with basal treatment group. The total cholesterol was lower (p<0.05) in the RGB treatments groups than that in the basal treatment group. The intestinal Lactobacillus population was greater (p<0.05) for the RGB treatments groups than that for the basal treatment group. However, the numbers of Salmonella and Escherichia coli were not different among dietary treatments. During the entire experiment, there was no significant difference in egg quality among all the treatments. In conclusion, in addition to improving hen-day production, there were positive effects of dietary RGB supplementation on serum immunoglobulin and cholesterol levels in laying hens.

Synergistic effect of muramyl dipeptide with heat shock protein 70 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis on immune activation

Heat shock protein 70 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb Hsp70) has been known to modulate immune response including dendritic cell activation. Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) is an immunoreactive derivative of peptidoglycan from all Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and recognized to be responsible for function of Freund's complete adjuvant. In this study, we evaluated effect of MDP on in vitro activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and in vivo production of cytokines and chemokines induced by Mtb Hsp70. MDP treatment with Mtb Hsp70 dramatically increased production of IL-6, IL-12p40 and TNF-α in BMDCs compared with Mtb Hsp70 alone whereas these effects were abolished in Nod2-deficient BMDCs. Phosphorylation of IκB-α and ERK and impairment of phagocytosis, which is an indicator of DC maturation were enhanced by MDP co-treatment with Mtb hsp70 in BMDCs. In addition, ability of Mtb Hsp70-stimulated BMDCs to induce IFN-γ productions of T cells was increased by MDP co-treatment. Finally, intraperitoneal injection of MDP with Mtb Hsp70 dramatically increased production of IL-6, CXCL-1 and CCL2 in serum compared with Mtb hsp70 injection. Our study showed the synergistic effects of MDP with Mtb Hsp70 on DCs and in vivo immune activation. The use of MDP with Mtb Hsp70 to induce immune activation may provide an effective strategy for vaccination to treat cancer and protect against pathogens.

A transgenic ginseng vaccine for bovine viral diarrhea

BACKGROUND

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections are endemic in cattle populations worldwide and cause major economic losses. Thus, an effective vaccine is needed against the transmission of BVDV. The glycoprotein E(rns) is one of the envelope proteins of this virus and shows BVDV-related immunogenicity. Here, we report the use of Panax ginseng as an alternative production platform for the expression of glycoprotein E(rns) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

RESULT

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analyses showed that pBI121-E(rns) was stably integrated into the chromosome of transformants. ELISA assay and Western blot analysis confirmed the antigenicity of plant-derived E(rns) glycoprotein. Immunogenicity was evaluated subcutaneously in deer using a soluble protein extract of dried transgenic ginseng hairy roots. Specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against BVDV were detected following immunization.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that the E(rns) glycoprotein could be expressed in ginseng hairy roots and that plant-derived glycoprotein E(rns) retained its antigenicity and immunogenicity.

Antimelanogenic effect of ginsenoside Rg3 through extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mediated inhibition of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor

Background

Panax ginseng has been used to prolong longevity and is believed to be useful for improving skin complexion. Ginsenosides are the most active components isolated from ginseng, and ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) in particular has been demonstrated to possess antioxidative, antitumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of G-Rg3 to inhibit melanogenesis.

Methods

The effects of G-Rg3 on melanin contents and the protein levels of tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1) were evaluated. Melanogenesis-regulating signaling molecules such as Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were also examined to explore G-Rg3-induced antimelanogenic mechanisms.

Results

G-Rg3 was found to significantly inhibit the synthesis of melanin in normal human epidermal melanocytes and B16F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of cellular tyrosinase and the expression of MITF, tyrosinase, and TRP1 were all reduced, whereas ERK was strongly activated. PD98059 (a specific inhibitor of ERK) attenuated the G-Rg3-induced inhibition of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results showed that G-Rg3 induces the activation of ERK, which accounts for its antimelanogenic effects. G-Rg3 may be a promising safe skin-whitening agent, adding to the long list of uses of P. ginseng for the enhancement of skin beauty.

Rapeseed oil and ginseng saponins work synergistically to enhance Th1 and Th2 immune responses induced by the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine

Previous investigations demonstrated that saponins isolated from the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (i.e., ginseng root saponin [GS-R]) had adjuvant activity. In the present study, the combined effects of rapeseed oil (RO) and GS-R on the immune responses elicited by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine were investigated by measuring FMD virus (FMDV)-specific antibody levels, cytokine levels, lymphocyte proliferation, and long-lived IgG-secreting plasma cells from bone marrow in a mouse model. The results indicated that RO in combination with GS-R significantly enhanced serum IgG and isotype concentrations, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 5 (IL-5) levels, splenocyte proliferative responses to stimulations with concanavalin A (ConA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and FMDV antigen, and the numbers of IgG-secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow, suggesting that RO/GS-R enhanced both Th1 and Th2 immune responses. In addition, no significant difference was found between RO/GS-R and the commercial adjuvant oil ISA 206 in the promotion of FMD vaccine-induced immune responses. Considering the vegetable origin of RO and GS-R and the potent adjuvant activity, RO/GS-R should be studied further for the development of veterinary vaccines, especially for use in food animals in order to promote food safety.

Ginsenoside Re as an adjuvant to enhance the immune response to the inactivated rabies virus vaccine in mice

The inactivated rabies virus vaccine (RV) is a relatively expensive vaccine, prone to failure in some cases. Ginsenoside Re (Re) is a saponin isolated from Panax ginseng, and has an adjuvant property. Here the adjuvant effect of Re to improve the immune response to the RV is evaluated in mice. ICR mice were immunized with saline, 2.50mg/kg Re, 20μl RV, 100μl RV, or 20μl of RV adjuvanted with Re (1.25, 2.50 or 5.00mg/kg). Different time points after boosting, we measured serum antibodies in blood samples and separated splenocytes to detect lymphocyte proliferation and the production of IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ in vitro. We also compared immunizations containing 20μl RV and 20μl RV adjuvanted with Re (5.00mg/kg) for the expression of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell subsets at different time points. Results indicated that co-administration of Re significantly enhanced serum antibody titers, increased the CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio, and enhanced both proliferation responses and IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IFN-γ secretions. Both Th1 and Th2 immune responses were activated. The supplementation of the Re (5.00mg/kg) to 20μl of RV significantly amplified serum antibody responses and Th1/Th2 responses inducing similar protection as did 100μl of RV. This suggests that Re could be used to reduce the dose, and therefore the cost, of the RV to achieve the same effective protection. Re merits further studies for use with vaccines of mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses.

Frequent Genetic Defects in the HIV-1 5' LTR/gag Gene in Hemophiliacs Treated with Korean Red Ginseng: Decreased Detection of Genetic Defects by Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

We investigated whether Korean red ginseng (KRG) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) affect the frequency of gross deletion in 5’LTR/gag in 20 hemophiliacs. This study is a prospective study in 20 hemophiliacs who were infected with Korean subclade B of HIV-1 from two cash-paid plasma donors in 1990. Over a 13-year period, we obtained 436 amplicons of 5’LTR/gag genes by nested polymerase chain reaction using 147 peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Of the 436 amplicons, 92 (21.1%) showed gross deletion in 5’LTR/gag. Despite of a 2.3-fold higher monthly dose of KRG intake, the frequency of gross deletion in 5’LTR/gag (16.4%) was significantly decreased during HAART compared with 28.1% prior to HAART (p<0.01). Gross deletion in 5’LTR/gag was 10% more detected on KRG-therapy than prior to KRG-therapy (p<0.05). In addition, we also obtained 28 amplicons containing premature stop codon or isoleucine at initiation codon of 254 amplicons sequenced on KRG intake (7.5%) or HAART (13.6%) compared with 0% before KRG intake. These findings indicate that high frequency of gross deletion in 5’LTR/gag and genetic defects prior to HAART are significantly associated with KRG intake and the detection of gross deletion in 5’LTR/gag is decreased by HAART.

An interspecific Nicotiana hybrid as a useful and cost-effective platform for production of animal vaccines

The use of transgenic plants to produce novel products has great biotechnological potential as the relatively inexpensive inputs of light, water, and nutrients are utilised in return for potentially valuable bioactive metabolites, diagnostic proteins and vaccines. Extensive research is ongoing in this area internationally with the aim of producing plant-made vaccines of importance for both animals and humans. Vaccine purification is generally regarded as being integral to the preparation of safe and effective vaccines for use in humans. However, the use of crude plant extracts for animal immunisation may enable plant-made vaccines to become a cost-effective and efficacious approach to safely immunise large numbers of farm animals against diseases such as avian influenza. Since the technology associated with genetic transformation and large-scale propagation is very well established in Nicotiana, the genus has attributes well-suited for the production of plant-made vaccines. However the presence of potentially toxic alkaloids in Nicotiana extracts impedes their use as crude vaccine preparations. In the current study we describe a Nicotiana tabacum and N. glauca hybrid that expresses the HA glycoprotein of influenza A in its leaves but does not synthesize alkaloids. We demonstrate that injection with crude leaf extracts from these interspecific hybrid plants is a safe and effective approach for immunising mice. Moreover, this antigen-producing alkaloid-free, transgenic interspecific hybrid is vigorous, with a high capacity for vegetative shoot regeneration after harvesting. These plants are easily propagated by vegetative cuttings and have the added benefit of not producing viable pollen, thus reducing potential problems associated with bio-containment. Hence, these Nicotiana hybrids provide an advantageous production platform for partially purified, plant-made vaccines which may be particularly well suited for use in veterinary immunization programs.

Ginsenosides Rg1 and Re act as adjuvant via TLR4 signaling pathway

Previous studies have demonstrated that ginsenosides Rg1 and Re extracted from the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer have adjuvant properties. However, the molecular mechanisms behind their adjuvant activities remain unclear. In the present study, we first investigated the adjuvant effect of Rg1 and Re on the immune responses to a model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) in C3H/HeB mice as well as in C3H/HeJ mice carrying a defective toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) gene, and then evaluated Rg1 and Re for their stimulation of phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in the macrophages from above two different strains of mice. In addition, Rg1 and Re were also evaluated for their induction of NF-κB in RAW-Blue™ cells. The results showed that Rg1 and Re had adjuvant activities in stimulating IgG, splenocyte proliferation, and mRNA expression of cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IFN-γ as well as transcription factors GATA-3 and T-bet by splenocytes in C3H/HeB mice but not in C3H/HeJ mice. Rg1 and Re induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 at Ser536 in macrophages from C3H/HeB mice but not from C3H/HeJ mice. Both Rg1 and Re induced expression of NF-κB in RAW-Blue™ cells. These results suggested that TLR4 signaling pathway is involved in the adjuvant activities of Rg1 and Re. Nevertheless, pretreatment with anti-TLR4 antibody suppressed the Re- but not Rg1-induced expression of NF-κB, indicating that Rg1 may trigger both extracellular and intracellular TLR4 by passing through the cell membrane while Re only activate extracellular TLR4 as it fails to enter inside of the cells to stimulate intracellular TLR4.

Inhibitory effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on apoptosis caused by HSV-1 in human glioma cells

To investigate the inhibitory effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) on apoptosis caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1(HSV-1) in Human Glioma Cells (U251), U251 cells were infected by HSV-1 at a multiplicity of infection of 5 and GRb1, GRb1+HSV-1, HSV-1 and control groups. MTT and cell apoptosis assays were used to detect the inhibitory effects of GRb1 on the apoptosis of U251 cells that caused by HSV-1 infection for various concentrations of drug and virus treatments by MTT assay. We found that in the 400 μg/mL GRb1 and 400 μg/mL GRb1+HSV-1 groups, MTT values were higher than control group at all times (P<0. 05). Moreover, the apoptosis rate in the 400 μg/mL GRb1+HSV-1 group was lower than the HSV-1 group (P<0. 05). These results confirmed that, at appropriate concentrations, GRb1 could inhibit nerve cell apoptosis in HSV-1 infections.

Enhancement of humoral immune responses to inactivated Newcastle disease and avian influenza vaccines by oral administration of ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins in chickens

Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are common in the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins (GSLS) on the humoral immune responses of chickens to inactivated ND and AI vaccines. In experiment 1, oral administration of GSLS at a dose of 5 mg/kg of BW for 7 d on the immune response in chickens intramuscularly injected with inactivated ND vaccine was evaluated. Results showed that GSLS significantly increased the antibody level against ND in the serum of chickens. In experiment 2, the same regimen of GSLS was administered to chickens inoculated with inactivated AI vaccines, and an enhanced serum antibody response to AI vaccination was also observed. Considering the safety of GSLS, because no adverse effect was found throughout the experiments, GSLS may be a promising oral adjuvant to improve immunization in poultry.

Effect of oral administration of ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins (GSLS) on the immune responses to Newcastle disease vaccine in chickens

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of ginseng stem-and-leaf saponin (GSLS) on immune responses in chickens vaccinated with live Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines. In experiment 1, chickens were orally administered GSLS (2.5, 5, 10, and 20mg/kg) in drinking water for 3 days, and then intranasally vaccinated with ND vaccine. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test showed that the optimal dose of GSLS for enhancing HI titers was 5mg/kg. In experiment 2, chickens were fed with GSLS (5mg/kg) for 7, 5 or 3 days before vaccination. Result indicated that GSLS enhanced HI titers in a time-dependent manner. The order of the duration for drinking GSLS on increasing HI titers was 7 days>5 days>3 days. In experiment 3, chickens were fed with GSLS before or after immunization. Serum was sampled at a week interval for 5 weeks for HI test, splenic lymphocytes were prepared at weeks 2 and 4 after the booster immunization for lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) and intestinal tissues were sampled at week 4 after the booster immunization for immunohistochemistry and histological examination. Results showed that HI titer, LPT, IgA+ cells and intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs) were significantly higher in chickens drinking GSLS before vaccination than those after vaccination. Therefore, oral administration of GSLS in drinking water at a dose of 5mg/kg for 7 days significantly increased systemic as well as gut mucosal immunity in chickens immunized with ND vaccine. Considering the immune potentiating effect of GSLS on ND vaccine, GSLS should be evaluated for its oral adjuvant effect on the immune response against other diseases such avian influenza and infectious bursal disease.

Ginsenoside Rg1 enhances immune response induced by recombinant Toxoplasma gondii SAG1 antigen

Ginsenoside, the most important component isolated from Panax ginseng, exhibits a variety of biological activities. Particularly, ginsenoside Rg1 is known to have immune-modulating activities such as increase of immune activity of T helper (Th) cells. In the present study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory potentials of the Rg1 at three dose levels on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against T. gondii recombinant surface antigen 1 (rSAG1). ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with 50 μg Rg1 alone, 100 μg rSAG1 alone or with 100 μg rSAG1 dissolved in saline containing ginsenoside Rg1 (10 μg, 50 μg or 100 μg). After immunization, we evaluated the immune response using lymphoproliferative assay, cytokine and antibody measurements, and the survival times of mice challenged lethally. The results showed that the groups immunized with rSAG1 and Rg1 (50 μg, 100 μg) developed a high level of specific antibody responses against T. gondii rSAG1, a strong lymphoproliferative response, and significant levels of cytokine production, compared with the other groups. After lethal challenge, the mice immunized with the rSAG1 and Rg1 (50 μg, 100 μg) showed a significantly increased survival time compared with control mice which died within 6 days of challenge. Our data demonstrate that by addition of ginsenoside Rg1, the rSAG1 triggered a stronger humoral and cellular response against T. gondii, and that Rg1 is a promising vaccine adjuvant against toxoplasmosis, worth further development.

Effect of Panax ginseng on cytokine expression in bovine mammary glands at drying off

Biological response modifiers (BRM) are agents that modify the host's response to pathogens with resultant beneficial prophylactic or therapeutic effects. The objectives of this study were to describe the immunomodulatory effects of Panax ginseng (GS) on bovine mammary glands at the end of lactation. Eight mammary quarters from six nonpregnant cows in late lactation were infused with 10mL of BRM (3mg/mL), six quarters were treated with placebo (vehicle alone) and six quarters were maintained as uninoculated controls. Milk samples were collected at different time points for detection of specific cytokines mRNA by RT-PCR and Western blotting assay. A significant increase of IL-1α, IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA expression was observed in BRM-treated compared with placebo-treated quarters at 48h post-treatment (pt) (P<0.05). A 17kDa TNF-α band expressed a sharp elevation at 24h and reduction in its level at 48h pt in BRM-treated quarters. Differences in this cytokine level between 24 and 48h pt times were significant (P<0.05). GS extract inoculation at drying off was associated with somatic cell counts increase, cytokines mRNA transcription and the presence of TNF-α in milk and can therefore exert immunomodulating effects in bovine mammary gland at drying off.

Ginsan enhances humoral antibody response to orally delivered antigen

Background

There have been several reports describing the capability of ginseng extracts as an adjuvant. In this study, we tested if ginsan, a polysaccharide extracted from Panax ginseng, was effective in enhancing antibody response to orally delivered Salmonella antigen.

Methods

Ginsan was treated before oral salmonella antigen administration. Salmonella specific antibody was determined by ELISA. mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR. Cell migration was determined by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. COX expression was detected by western blot.

Results

Ginsan treatment before oral Salmonella antigen delivery significantly increased both secretory and serum antibody production. Ginsan increased the expression of COX in the Peyer's patches. Various genes were screened and we found that CCL3 mRNA expression was increased in the Peyer's patch. Ginsan increased dendritic cells in the Peyer's patch and newly migrated dendritic cells were mostly found in the subepithelial dome region. When COX inhibitors were treated, the expression of CCL3 was reduced. COX inhibitor also antagonized both the migration of dendritic cells and the humoral immune response against oral Salmonella antigen.

Conclusion

Ginsan effectively enhances the humoral immune response to orally delivered antigen, mediated by CCL3 via COX. Ginsan may serve as a potent vaccine suppliment for oral immunization.

Enhancement of immune responses to influenza vaccine (H3N2) by ginsenoside Re

This study was designed to evaluate the adjuvant effect of ginsenoside Re isolated from the root of Panax ginseng on the immune responses elicited by split inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen in a mouse model. Forty-eight ICR mice were randomly distributed into six groups with 8 mice in each group. All animals were subcutaneously (s.c.) immunized twice on weeks 0 and 3 with 50 microg Re, inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen equivalent to 10 or 100 ng of hemogglutinin (HA) or inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen equivalent to 10 ng HA adjuvanted with Re (25, 50 or 100 microg). Two weeks after the boost, blood samples were collected for measurement of serum IgG, the IgG isotypes and HI titers. Splenocytes were separated for the detection of lymphocyte proliferation and production of IFN-gamma and IL-5 in vitro. Results showed that co-administration of Re significantly enhanced serum specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b responses, HI titers, lymphocyte proliferation responses as well as IFN-gamma and IL-5 secretions, indicating that both Th1 and Th2 were activated. Considering the adjuvant effect demonstrated in this study, Re deserve further studies for improving the quality of vaccines where mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses are needed.