Antibody-dependent Enhancement Research Articles

Positive effects of extracellular polysaccharides from Paecilomyces hepiali on immune-enhancing properties by regulating gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-induced mice

Paecilomyces hepiali is a precious health-care edible medicinal fungus with rich polysaccharides and exhibits various biological activities. Polysaccharides from P. hepiali fermentation broth (PHP) exhibits good immunomodulatory activity; however, the mechanism underlying PHP-mediated regulation of immunity and gut microbiota remains unclear. To reveal the mechanisms, PHP of different doses were used to intervene cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive model mice. The results revealed that PHP facilitated the secretion of serum cytokines, increased the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, it improved the physical barrier function of the intestine by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins. PHP increased the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, including, Actinobacteriota, Alistipes, Candidatus_Saccharimonas and unclassified_Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, and reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria, Deferribacterota, Mucispirillum and Escherichia_Shigella, promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, which were positively associated with immune traits. Thus, as an immune enhancer, PHP has the potential to regulate the intestinal immune response in immunosuppressed mice through modulating gut microbiota.

Non-infectious immune complexes downregulate the production of interferons and tumor necrosis factor-α in primary porcine alveolar macrophages in vitro.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV) has been harming the pig industry worldwide for nearly 40 years. Although scientific researchers have made substantial efforts to explore PRRSV pathogenesis, the immune factors influencing PRRSV infection still need to be better understood. Infectious virus-antibody immune complexes (ICs) formed by PRRSV and sub-or non-neutralizing antibodies specific for PRRSV may significantly promote the development of PRRS by enhancing PRRSV replication through antibody-dependent enhancement. However, nothing is known about whether PRRSV infection is affected by non-infectious ICs (NICs) formed by non-pathogenic/infectious antigens and corresponding specific antibodies. Here, we found that PRRSV significantly induced the transcripts and proteins of interferon-α (IFN-α), IFN-β, IFN-γ, IFN-λ1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in vitro primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) in the early stage of infection. Our results showed that NICs formed by rabbit-negative IgG (RNI) and pig anti-RNI specific IgG significantly reduced the transcripts and proteins of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IFN-λ1, and TNF-α in vitro PAMs and significantly elevated the transcripts and proteins of interleukine-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in vitro PAMs. NICs-mediated PRRSV infection showed that NICs not only significantly decreased the induction of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IFN-λ1, and TNF-α by PRRSV but also significantly increased the induction of IL-10 and TGF-β1 by PRRSV and considerably enhanced PRRSV replication in vitro PAMs. Our data suggested that NICs could downregulate the production of antiviral cytokines (IFN-α/β/γ/λ1 and TNF-α) during PRRSV infection in vitro and facilitated PRRSV proliferation in its host cells by inhibiting innate antiviral immune response. This study elucidated one novel immune response to PRRSV infection, which would enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of PRRSV.

Immune enhancing measures in Children

Children are the epitome of innocence and purity therefore the child’s health care should include specific biological and psychological needs that must be ensured to the survival and healthy development of the child, the future adult. They are in constant danger of developing infections due to underdeveloped immune system. Ayurveda emphasizes not only treating diseases but also by maintenance of health by improving immunity of the body. Several measures are considered to enhance the immunity in children. To ameliorate the immunity Acharya Kashyapa described a special formulation by the name Lehana in which herbal drugs are mixed with Madhu (honey) and Sarpi (clarified butter) to the child for the first time. Suvarnaprashna is another method adopted for physical and mental development in newborn and preschool children. Phalaprashan Samskara is a ritual or sacrament acknowledged by him where the first solid food is introduced to the baby that helps in strengthening the bodily tissues. In our classics as a part of Dinacharya, Abhyanga and Snana helps to keep child’s immune system performing at its peak by stimulating the lymphatic system. Nidra (adequate sleep) contributes to child’s overall wellbeing and establishing healthy sleep habits with recommended amount of sleep for their age is an absolute necessity to rejuvenate the body. Daily practice of Yogasana and Pranayam in children helps them to boost their immune system by synchronizing their mind and body. Encouraging children to follow an Ayurvedic routine helps in balancing and enhancing their innate capacity to grow, heal and thrive.

Identifying the mechanism of polysaccharopeptide against breast cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) is a potential active component in traditional Chinese medicine because of its anticancer effects on a variety of cancer cells and as immune enhancers of the immune system. Previous studies on the role of PSP in breast cancer have been limited, and the mechanism has not been clarified. This study is based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to predict the possible target of PSP treatment of breast cancer, and use experiments to verify the effect and mechanism of PSP on breast cancer. In this study, 287 PSP targets were obtained using SwissTargetPrediction database and PharmMapper database, and 183 breast cancer targets were obtained using DisGenNET database. By intersections of PSP targets and breast cancer targets, a total of 10 intersections were obtained. GO functional enrichment, KEGG pathway enrichment and molecular docking of these 10 target genes were performed to obtain the potential targets of PSP on breast cancer. In vitro experiments, we found that PSP significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, SUM-159 and MCF-7. Western Blot results showed that PSP could down-regulate the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 proteins. Similarly, the results of in vivo experiments showed that PSP can directly inhibit the tumor of MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice, and the mechanism of action is mainly to inhibit the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. The above results were consistent with the results of network pharmacology, which provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of PSP in breast cancer patients.

Understanding the Molecular Actions of Spike Glycoprotein in SARS-CoV-2 and Issues of a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the COVID-19 Vaccine

In vaccine development, many use the spike protein (S protein), which has multiple “spike-like” structures protruding from the spherical structure of the coronavirus, as an antigen. However, there are concerns about its effectiveness and toxicity. When S protein is used in a vaccine, its ability to attack viruses may be weak, and its effectiveness in eliciting immunity will only last for a short period of time. Moreover, it may cause “antibody-dependent immune enhancement”, which can enhance infections. In addition, the three-dimensional (3D) structure of epitopes is essential for functional analysis and structure-based vaccine design. Additionally, during viral infection, large amounts of extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted from infected cells, which function as a communication network between cells and coordinate the response to infection. Under conditions where SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) molecular vaccination produces overwhelming SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, a significant proportion of the overproduced intracellular spike glycoprotein is transported via EVs. Therefore, it will be important to understand the infection mechanisms of SARA-CoV-2 via EV-dependent and EV-independent uptake into cells and to model the infection processes based on 3D structural features at interaction sites.

Innate and germline immune memory: specificity and heritability of the ancient immune mechanisms for adaptation and survival.

The immune memory is one of the defensive strategies developed by both unicellular and multicellular organisms for ensuring their integrity and functionality. While the immune memory of the vertebrate adaptive immune system (based on somatic recombination) is antigen-specific, encompassing the generation of memory T and B cells that only recognize/react to a specific antigen epitope, the capacity of vertebrate innate cells to remember past events is a mostly non-specific mechanism of adaptation. This "innate memory" can be considered as germline-encoded because its effector tools (such as innate receptors) do not need somatic recombination for being active. Also, in several organisms the memory-related information is integrated in the genome of germline cells and can be transmitted to the progeny for several generations, but it can also be erased depending on the environmental conditions. Overall, depending on the organism, its environment and its living habits, innate immune memory appears to be a mechanism for achieving better protection and survival against repeated exposure to microbes/stressful agents present in the same environment or occurring in the same anatomical district, able to adapt to changes in the environmental cues. The anatomical and functional complexity of the organism and its lifespan drive the generation of different immune memory mechanisms, for optimal adaptation to changes in the living/environmental conditions. The concept of innate immunity being non-specific needs to be revisited, as a wealth of evidence suggests a significant degree of specificity both in the primary immune reaction and in the ensuing memory-like responses. This is clearly evident in invertebrate metazoans, in which distinct scenarios can be observed, with both non-specific (immune enhancement) or specific (immune priming) memory-like responses. In the case of mammals, there is evidence that some degree of specificity can be attained in different situations, for instance as organ-specific protection rather than microorganism-specific reaction. Thus, depending on the challenges and conditions, innate memory can be non-specific or specific, can be integrated in the germline and transmitted to the progeny or be short-lived, thereby representing an exceptionally plastic mechanism of defensive adaptation for ensuring individual and species survival.

Research progress on the role of lycopene in promoting mammalian spermatogenesis

A carotenoid called lycopene (LYC) is one of the most potent antioxidants. Superior physiological properties of LYC include cancer prevention, cholesterol reduction, antioxidant activity, scavenging of free radicals, immunity enhancement, prostate protection, and increased sperm viability. In recent times, male sperm quality has decreased. Following studies on LYC’s function in spermatogenesis, the therapy of male infertility diseases has made extensive use of it. Here, we give an accurate theoretical foundation for the use of LYC in large animal breeding and the treatment of male infertility in humans by summarising the variables influencing spermatogenesis and the enhancing effect of LYC on mammalian spermatogenesis.

Unraveling the link between cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer: a state-of-the-art review.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) not only reflects an individual's capacity to perform physical activities but also encapsulates broader effects on the basic biology of aging. This review aims to summarize the evidence on the influence of CRF on overall and site-specific cancer risks. It delves into the biological mechanisms through which CRF may exert its effects, explores the clinical implications of these findings, identifies gaps in the current evidence base, and suggests directions for future research. The synthesis of findings reveals that higher CRF levels (general threshold of > 7 METs) are consistently associated with a reduced risk of a range of cancers, including head and neck, lung, breast, gastrointestinal, particularly pancreatic and colorectal, bladder, overall cancer incidence and mortality, and potentially stomach and liver, bile duct, and gall bladder cancers. These inverse associations between CRF and cancer risk do not generally differ across age groups, sex, race, or adiposity, suggesting a universal protective effect of CRF. Nonetheless, evidence linking CRF with skin, mouth and pharynx, kidney, and endometrial cancers is limited and inconclusive. Conversely, higher CRF levels may be potentially linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and myeloma, although the evidence is still not conclusive. CRF appears to play a significant role in reducing the risk of several cancers through various biological mechanisms, including inflammation reduction, immune system enhancement, hormonal regulation, and metabolic improvements. Overall, enhancing CRF through regular physical activity offers a vital, accessible strategy for reducing cancer riskand extending the health span. Future research should aim to fill the existing evidence gaps regarding specific cancers and elucidate the detailed dose-response relationships between CRF levels and cancer risk. Studies are also needed to elucidate the causal relationships and mechanistic pathways linking CRF to cancer outcomes.

C1q modulation of antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue virus infection in human myeloid cell lines is dependent on cell type and antibody specificity

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of dengue virus (DENV) infection is one of the mechanisms contributing to increased severity during heterotypic, secondary infection. The complement protein C1q has been shown to reduce the magnitude of ADE in vitro. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms of C1q modulation of ADE, focusing on processes of viral entry.Using a model of ADE of DENV-1 infection in human myeloid cell lines in the presence of monoclonal antibodies, 4G2 and 2H2, we found that C1q produced nearly a 40-fold reduction of ADE of DENV-1 in K562 cells, but had no effect in U937 cells. In K562 cells, C1q reduced adsorption of DENV-1/4G2 and exerted a dual inhibitory effect on adsorption and internalization of DENV-1/2H2. Distinct endocytic pathways in the presence of antibody corresponded to conditions where C1q produced a differential action. Also, C1q did not affect the intrinsic cell response mediated by FcγR in human myeloid cells.The modulation of ADE of DENV-1 by C1q is dependent on the FcγR expressed on immune cells and the specificity of the antibody comprising the immune complex. Understanding protective and pathogenic mechanisms in the humoral response to DENV infections is crucial for the successful design of antivirals and vaccines.

Herb pair of Huangqi-Danggui exerts anti-tumor immunity to breast cancer by upregulating PIK3R1.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), drugs supplementing the vital energy, Qi, can eliminate tumors by restoring host immunity. The objective of this study is to investigate the underlying immune mechanisms of anti-tumor activity associated with Qi-supplementing herbs, specifically the paired use of Huangqi and Danggui. Analysis of compatibility regularity was conducted to screen the combination of Qi-supplementing TCMs. Using the MTT assay and a transplanted tumor mice model, the anti-tumor effects of combination TCMs were investigated invitro and invivo. High content analysis and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate cellular immunity, followed by network pharmacology and molecular docking to dissect the significant active compounds and potential mechanisms. Finally, the anti-tumor activity and the mechanism of the active ingredients were verified by molecular experiments. There is an optimal combination of Huangqi and Danggui that, administered as an aqueous extract, can activate immunity to suppress tumor and is more effective than each drug on its own invitro and invivo. Based on network pharmacology analysis, PIK3R1 is the core target for the anti-tumor immunity activity of combined Huangqi and Danggui. Molecular docking analysis shows 6 components of the combined Danggui and Huangqi extract (quercetin, jaranol, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, calycosin, and suchilactone) that bind to PIK3R1. Jaranol is the most important component against breast cancer. The suchilactone/jaranol combination and, especially, the suchilactone/kaempferol combination are key for immunity enhancement and the anti-tumor effects of the extract. The combination of Huangqi and Danggui can activate immunity to suppress breast cancer and is more effective than the individual drugs alone.

Anti-viral immune enhancer properties of some micro-nutrients and functional Herbs with the potential to augment the treatment of COVID-19 patients

Anti-viral immune enhancer properties of some micro-nutrients and functional Herbs with the potential to augment the treatment of COVID-19 patients

Perioperative nutrition optimization: a review of the current literature†

Abstract Objective This article aims to elaborate the recent research status of perioperative nutrition optimization, in order to help clinical practice. Methods This study employed a comprehensive and systematic method to search prominent databases, including PubMed and Web of Science, using carefully selected keywords. Following meticulous screening, the inclusion of high-quality studies was prioritized, and a thorough review of the references was conducted to comprehensively analyze the latest evidence on perioperative nutrition optimization. Results The main contents include preoperative nutritional risk screening and assessment, nutritional support pathway, immune enhancing nutrition, preoperative and postoperative nutritional management, as well as personalized nutrition optimization strategies for specific populations (such as children, bariatric surgery patients, and cancer patients). Conclusions In clinical practice, the importance of perioperative nutrition should be emphasized, and personalized nutrition management plans should be developed based on the characteristics and needs of patients. Further research and promotion of perioperative nutrition optimization strategies will help improve the overall prognosis and quality of life of surgical patients.

Bifurcation analysis of a two infection SIR-SIR epidemic model with temporary immunity and disease enhancement

In this paper we study a two infection SIR-SIR compartmental model, considering biological features described in dengue fever epidemiology. Due to a progressive loss of protective antibodies there is waning immunity in the first infection stage and disease enhancement or protection effects by the second infection stage. Bifurcation analysis reveals two codim-2 bifurcations as organizing centers. The unfolding of a cusp bifurcation describes the transition of the disease-free equilibrium into an endemic equilibrium by varying a parameter. These equilibria allow an analytical solution with explicit expressions which allow for a full geometrical interpretation of the occurring bifurcations related to stationary dynamics. A Bogdanov-Takens point is the starting point in the parameter space where oscillatory endemic dynamics occurs including a homoclinic connection. These findings bring additional insights on biological mechanisms able to generate rich and complicated dynamical behavior in simple epidemic models that are, so far, largely unexplored.

Nicotiana benthamiana as a potential source for producing anti-dengue virus D54 neutralizing therapeutic antibody

Dengue virus (DENV), transmitted by mosquitoes, is classified into four serotypes (DENV1-4) and typically causes mild, self-limiting symptoms upon initial infection. However, secondary infection can lead to severe symptoms due to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). To address this, anti-DENV antibodies are being developed with the goal of neutralizing infection without ADE activity. Previous attempts using a 54_hG1 antibody from CHO-K1 mammalian cells resulted in ADE induction, increasing viral infection. This study aimed to express the D54 monoclonal antibody in Nicotiana benthamiana. The plant-produced antibody had a similar neutralizing profile to the previous 54_hG1 antibody. Notably, the ADE activities of the plant-derived antibody were successfully eliminated, with no sign of viral induction. These findings suggest that N. benthamiana could be a source of therapeutic DENV antibodies. The method offers several advantages, including lower ADE, cost-effectiveness, simple facility requirements, scalability, and potential industrial-scale production in GMP facilities.

Evaluation of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) as a Functional Feed Ingredient on Growth Performance, Immune Enhancement, and Disease Resistance in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) under High Stocking Density.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that is found in the brain and central nervous system of animals as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It has been shown to have a variety of physiological functions, including stress reduction and immune enhancement. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with GABA on growth, serum biochemistry, innate immunity, and disease resistance in juvenile olive flounders (Paralichthys olivaceus) challenged with Edwardsiella tarda under high-stocking density. A control diet and three experimental diets were prepared, with 150 mg/kg (GABA150), 200 mg/kg (GABA200), and 250 mg/kg (GABA250) of GABA added to each diet, respectively. Each experimental diet was fed to olive flounders in triplicate with an initial weight of 12.75 g ± 0.3 g in 40 L tanks at two stocking densities: normal density (20 fish/tank) and high density (40 fish/tank). After 8 weeks of the feeding trial, growth, feed utilization, whole-body proximate compositions, blood analyses, and non-specific immune responses were measured, and challenge tests were performed. There were no significant differences in the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) among fish fed the GABA-supplemented diets at the two stocking densities. However, the normal-density groups showed significantly higher WG and SGR than the high-density groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio among all groups. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the whole-body proximate composition analysis (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in cortisol levels in fish fed the GABA at both densities, but the high-density group showed a significantly higher cortisol than the low-density group. Blood GABA significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner regardless of the density groups (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity showed significantly higher levels than the control group, but there was no significant effect of the stocking densities in fish fed the GABA diets (p < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase activities in fish fed the GABA200 and GABA250 diets showed significantly higher levels at both of the stocking densities (p < 0.05). Lysozyme activity was significantly higher in the GABA150 group than in the CON, GABA200, and GABA250 groups (p < 0.05). After 15 days of challenge tests with Edwardsiella tarda, the cumulative survival rates of the GABA150, GABA200, and GABA250 groups were significantly higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the optimal dietary GABA level for juvenile olive flounder culture is 150 mg/kg, regardless of rearing density, to enhance growth, immunity, and disease resistance.

Andrographolide: A Review on Experimental Clinical Trials and Applications

Throughout human history, plants have been used for medicinal purposes. Plants can synthesise a vast range of chemical compounds that possess biological activities and can be employed as medicines. Andrographis paniculata is an Asian medicinal herb and a well-known Chinese herbal remedy. It is referred to as “king of bitters” in English, “Chiretteverte” and “Roi des amers” in French, “Kariyatu” in Gujarati, and “Kirayat” or “Kalpanath” in Hindi. In India, it is commonly known as "kalmegh". Traditionally, it has been used to treat lung infections, cold, fever, diarrhoea, flu, syphilis, rabies, upper respiratory infections, leptospirosis, leprosy, malaria, sinusitis, HIV/AIDS, and TB, among other conditions. A chemical constituent present in the leaves of Andrographis paniculate, a diterpenoid labdane also known as andrographolide, was identified as a key bioactive component of A. paniculata in 1951. It is believed to be responsible for the various biological applications like anti-oxidant, immunity enhancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and upper respiratory tract infection. Since 1984, andrographolide and its analogues have been studied for anti-inflammatory activities using contemporary drug development strategies. The anticancer properties of andrographolide have been investigated on several cancer models, yielding promising results. This manuscript primarily focuses on the clinical aspects of andrographolide. We aim to elucidate its applications, preclinical findings, and clinical studies.

Probiotic-derived amphiphilic exopolysaccharide self-assembling adjuvant delivery platform for enhancing immune responses

Enhancing immune response activation through the synergy of effective antigen delivery and immune enhancement using natural, biodegradable materials with immune-adjuvant capabilities is challenging. Here, we present NAPSL.p that can activate the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway, an amphiphilic exopolysaccharide, as a potential self-assembly adjuvant delivery platform. Its molecular structure and unique properties exhibited remarkable self-assembly, forming a homogeneous nanovaccine with ovalbumin (OVA) as the model antigen. When used as an adjuvant, NAPSL.p significantly increased OVA uptake by dendritic cells. In vivo imaging revealed prolonged pharmacokinetics of NAPSL. p-delivered OVA compared to OVA alone. Notably, NAPSL.p induced elevated levels of specific serum IgG and isotype titers, enhancing rejection of B16-OVA melanoma xenografts in vaccinated mice. Additionally, NAPSL.p formulation improved therapeutic effects, inhibiting tumor growth, and increasing animal survival rates. The nanovaccine elicited CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-based immune responses, demonstrating the potential for melanoma prevention. Furthermore, NAPSL.p-based vaccination showed stronger protective effects against influenza compared to Al (OH)3 adjuvant. Our findings suggest NAPSL.p as a promising, natural self-adjuvanting delivery platform to enhance vaccine design across applications.

Control dengue with Wolbachia: Insights from a two-strain vector-host model with larval competition

Due to deficient treatments and vaccines for dengue viruses, dengue control mainly depends on controlling mosquitoes. Suppressing wild mosquito population size by releasing male-only Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes into the field has become an eco-friendly alternative for traditional mosquito control methods. By assuming an ideal continuous proportional release strategy, we formulate a two-strain vector-host model incorporating larval competition to describe the affected cross-transmission dynamics of two dengue viruses serotypes. Moreover, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and temporal cross-immunity are considered in this model. Theoretical analysis including the well-posedness, the existence and local stability of dengue-free equilibria in terms of the basic reproduction numbers is conducted. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the basic reproduction numbers are most sensitive to the adult female mortality rate and mosquito bite rate. As expected, intensifying larval competition can prevent the spread of dengue viruses. Unexpectedly, increasing the release ratio can delay the peak time while increase the peak level of both primary and secondary infections. To efficiently eliminate dengue outbreaks, other control methods such as spraying larvicides/adult insecticides and avoiding mosquito bites should be employed simultaneously during the time period gained by releasing Wolbachia-carrying males.

Structural characterization and immune-enhancing effects of a novel polysaccharide extracted from Sargassum fusiforme

To alleviate the adverse effects of chemotherapy and bolster immune function, a novel polysaccharide derived from Sargassum fusiforme named as SFP-αII. The structural composition of SFP-αII predominantly consisted of guluronic and mannuronic acids in a molar ratio of 33.8:66.2, with an average molecular weight of 16.5 kDa. Its structure was primarily characterized by →4)-α-GulA-(1 → and →4)-β-ManA-(1 → linkages confirmed by FT-IR, methylation, and NMR analyses. The absence of a triple-helix structure was in SFP-αII was confirmed using circular dichroism and Congo red dye assays. The dimensions varied with lengths ranging from 20 nm up to 3 μm revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). SFP-αII has been found to enhance immunomodulatory activity in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice. This was evidenced by improvements in immune organ indices, cytokine levels, and the release of nitric oxide (NO). Specifically, SFP-αII mitigated immunosuppression by upregulating the secretion of IL-1β (167.3 %) and TNF-α (227.1 %) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, compared with the CTX group in macrophages. Ultimately, SFP-αII may serve as a mechanism for immune enhancement through modulation of TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. This integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, leveraging SFP-αII as a potential functional food could be pivotal in alleviating immunosuppressive side effects in CTX treatment.

Antiviral activity of Vigna radiata extract against feline coronavirus in vitro

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal illness caused by a mutated feline coronavirus (FCoV). This disease is characterized by its complexity, resulting from systemic infection, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), and challenges in accessing effective therapeutics. Extract derived from Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek (VRE) exhibits various pharmacological effects, including antiviral activity. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of VRE against FCoV, addressing the urgent need to advance the treatment of FIP. We explored the anti-FCoV activity, antiviral mechanism, and combinational application of VRE by means of in vitro antiviral assays. Our findings reveal that VRE effectively inhibited the cytopathic effect induced by FCoV, reduced viral proliferation, and downregulated spike protein expression. Moreover, VRE blocked FCoV in the early and late infection stages and was effective under in vitro ADE infection. Notably, when combined with VRE, the polymerase inhibitor GS-441524 or protease inhibitor GC376 suppressed FCoV more effectively than monotherapy. In conclusion, this study characterizes the antiviral property of VRE against FCoV in vitro, and VRE possesses therapeutic potential for FCoV treatment.