Aim: To explore the effect of bifidobacterial whole peptidoglycan (BWPG) on cellular immune response to recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg).
Methods: BWPG was used as an adjuvant of rHBsAg to immunize BALB/c mice. The growth state and development of central lymphoid organ of immunized mice were observed. Then the killing activities of NK cells and CTLs, the proliferation and cytokine production of splenic lymphocytes were examined.
Results: After immunization with BWPG, no visible side effect was observed in immunized mice. The thymus and spleen tissues assumed hyperplasia appearance. The killing activities of NK cells and CTLs in spleen were enhanced. The proliferation of splenic lymphocytes was active and cytokine production was increased.
Conclusion: BWPG can promote hyperplasia of central lymphoid organ and enhance the cellular immune response to rHBsAg.