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Oral administration of a streptococcal agent OK-432 activates alveolar macrophages in mice
A Kinoshita1, I Suzuki, T Sakurai
1Laboratory of Immunopharmacology of Microbial Products, Tokyo College of Pharmacy, Japan.
Abstract:
The effect of orally administered OK-432, a streptococcal preparation, on the functions of alveolar macrophages in mice was examined. The oral administration of OK-432 (1, 2 or 4 KE, four times every 3 days) augmented phagocytic activity, lysosomal enzyme activity and interleukin 1 (IL-1) production of murine alveolar macrophages recovered 5 days after the final administration while it did not augment H2O2 production. The number of alveolar macrophages was not affected by the same treatment. These results suggested that oral administration of OK-432 activates alveolar macrophages qualitatively to protect the lung from the metastasis of cancer cells and infectious diseases by pathogenic micro-organisms.
Insights
Oral administration of OK-432 enhances the function of mouse alveolar macrophages, boosting their ability to fight infections and cancer metastasis. This immune activation improves lung defense without increasing macrophage numbers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alveolar macrophages are crucial immune cells in the lungs, defending against pathogens and cancer.
- Understanding how to modulate macrophage function is key for treating lung diseases and preventing metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of orally administered OK-432 on the functional activity of murine alveolar macrophages.
- To determine if OK-432 influences macrophage phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme activity, cytokine production, and reactive oxygen species generation.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered OK-432 orally at doses of 1, 2, or 4 KE, repeated every 3 days.
- Alveolar macrophages were recovered 5 days after the final OK-432 administration.
- Key macrophage functions including phagocytic activity, lysosomal enzyme activity, IL-1 production, and H2O2 production were assessed.
Main Results:
- Oral OK-432 significantly augmented phagocytic activity and lysosomal enzyme activity in alveolar macrophages.
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) production was increased, indicating enhanced pro-inflammatory signaling.
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and the total number of alveolar macrophages remained unaffected by the treatment.
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of OK-432 qualitatively enhances alveolar macrophage function, particularly their defense capabilities.
- This immune modulation suggests a potential therapeutic role for OK-432 in protecting the lungs against cancer cell metastasis and infectious diseases.