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Immunostimulation by bacterial components: II. Efficacy studies and meta-analysis of the bacterial extract OM-89
M Huber1, K Krauter, G Winkelmann
1Institut für Molekulare Medizin und Zellforschung, AG Tumorimmunologie/Vakzine, Medizinische Fakultät der Universität, Stefan-Meier-Str. 8, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The bacterial extract OM-89 (Uro-Vaxom) consisting of immunostimulating components derived from 18 Escherichia coli strains is used for the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections. We investigated in the mouse the immunogenicity of the bacterial extract after oral administration. After repeated administration of OM-89, a specific serum IgG and IgA response against a number of bacterial strains was obtained. Supernatants of cell cultures prepared from the urogenital tract of immunized mice also contained increased levels of strain specific IgG and IgA. We could show a bias towards a Th1 type immune response as indicated by increased IgG2a levels in sera, and increased IFNgamma levels in supernatants of spleen cells. These findings may contribute to an understanding of the therapeutic effect of Uro-Vaxom: the metaanalysis of several clinical studies confirmed that Uro-Vaxom constitutes an effective prophylaxis for urinary tract infections.
Insights
The bacterial extract OM-89 (Uro-Vaxom) stimulates an immune response in mice, producing antibodies and promoting a Th1-biased response. This supports its effectiveness in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often treated with immunostimulants.
- The bacterial extract OM-89 (Uro-Vaxom), derived from 18 Escherichia coli strains, is used for UTI prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunogenicity of OM-89 after oral administration in a mouse model.
- To understand the immune response mechanisms underlying Uro-Vaxom's therapeutic effects.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of OM-89 to mice.
- Measurement of specific serum IgG and IgA levels against bacterial strains.
- Analysis of IgG and IgA in urogenital tract cell culture supernatants.
- Assessment of Th1 immune response bias via IgG2a and IFN-gamma levels.
Main Results:
- Repeated oral administration of OM-89 induced specific serum IgG and IgA responses.
- Increased strain-specific IgG and IgA were detected in urogenital tract cell cultures.
- Evidence of a Th1-biased immune response, indicated by elevated IgG2a and IFN-gamma.
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of OM-89 elicits a specific humoral and cell-mediated immune response in mice.
- The observed Th1-biased immune response may explain the prophylactic efficacy of Uro-Vaxom in UTIs.
- Findings support Uro-Vaxom as an effective prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections.