Immunomodulatory effects of a 3.2kDa polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervus nippon Temminck

Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Jun;16(2):210-3. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.02.027. Epub 2013 Apr 2.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of a native 3.2kDa polypeptide of velvet antler from sika deer (nVAP32) on BALB/c mice immunocytes. In vitro tests showed that nVAP32 significantly stimulated splenocyte proliferation and enhanced the NK cytotoxicity and CD4(+)/CD8(+) cell subpopulations. Also, nVAP32 demonstrated a significant capacity in up- and down-regulating the expression of Th1- and Th2-related cytokines respectively. These results indicated that nVAP32 might have potential immunomodulatory effects on the immune system of mice and the further investigation on in vivo effects is qualified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antlers*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Deer*
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Spleen / cytology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Peptides