Open AccessA stragalus polysaccharides enhance the humoral and cellular immune responses of hepatitis B surface antigen vaccination through inhibiting the expression of transforming growth factor β and the frequency of regulatory T cells
Author(s) -
Du Xiaogang,
Chen Xiaobing,
Zhao Bing,
Lv Yao,
Zhang Huaiyu,
Liu Hanmei,
Chen Zhiyu,
Chen Yanger,
Zeng Xianyin
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00845.x
Subject(s) - biology , immune system , il 2 receptor , cytotoxic t cell , antigen , foxp3 , immunology , adjuvant , t cell , biochemistry , in vitro
A stragalus polysaccharides ( APS ), extracted from the root of A stragalus membranaceus , a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, have extensive pharmacological and strong immunomodulatory effects. In this study, the potential adjuvant effect of APS on humoral and cellular immune responses to hepatitis B subunit vaccine was investigated. Coadministration of APS with recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen significantly increased antigen‐specific antibody production, T ‐cell proliferation and CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocyte) activity. Production of interferon‐γ ( IFN ‐γ), interleukin‐2 ( IL ‐2) and IL ‐4 in CD 4 + T cells and of IFN ‐γ in CD 8 + T cells were dramatically increased. Furthermore, expression of the genes PFP , GraB, Fas L and Fas were up‐regulated; interestingly, expression of transforming growth factor β ( TGF ‐β) and the frequency of CD 4 + CD 25 + Foxp3 + regulatory T cells ( T reg cells) were down‐regulated. Expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 ( TLR 4) was significantly increased by administration of APS . Together, these results suggest that APS is a potent adjuvant for the hepatitis B subunit vaccine and can enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses via activating the TLR 4 signaling pathway and inhibit the expression of TGF ‐β and frequency of T reg cells.