Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation
Published on: June 24, 2025
[The study on the immunomodulating effect of marine protein peptides in mice]
Zhao-feng Zhang1, Xin-rong Pei, Xiao-long Han
1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
Objective:
To observe the effects of marine protein peptide (MPP) on immunomodulating in mice and its possible mechanism.
Methods:
Female ICR mice (6-8 weeks old) were administered the MPP for 4 weeks with the dose of 0.22 g/kgBW, 0.45 g/kgBW and 1.35 g/kgBW. Spleen and thymus were weighted and cell-mediated immune functions, humoral immune functions, phagocytic functions of mononuclear phagocyte, NK cell activity assays, the T cell subpopulation of the spleen tissue by the flow cytometer and the concentrations of cytokines in serum by cytometric bead array were examined.
Results:
The capacity of lymphocyte proliferation induced by Con A (0.33 +/- 0.21), DTH response (0.36 +/- 0.11) mm in MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group were significantly increased in comparison with these values in control group (0.15 +/- 0.10) and (0.21 +/- 0.10)mm, respectively, P < 0.05. IgM-PFC number of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (1.64 +/- 0.06), 0.45 g/kgBW group (1.59 +/- 0.05) and 1.35 g/kgBW group (1.56 +/- 0.10) were higher than those in control group (1.38 +/- 0.10), P < 0.01; and the level of serum HC50 of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (141.00 +/- 23.00) and 0.45 g/kgBW group (130.40 +/- 33.20) were greater than the control (100.30 +/- 19.40) , P < 0.01. The activity of NK cells in MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (1.672 +/- 0.142) was significantly elevated in comparison with this value in control group (1.392 +/- 0.182), P < 0.05. The percentage of CD4 T helper (Th) cell in spleen of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (32.84 +/- 3.776)% and 0.45 g/kgBW group (32.42 +/- 3.507) % was higher than those in control group (25.06 +/- 0.354) %, P < 0.05. The concentrations of IL-2 in serum of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group 181.06 pg/ml, 0.45 g/kgBW group 94.84 pg/ml and 1.35 g/kgBW group 102.61 pg/ml were higher than those in control group 0.50 pg/ml, P < 0.05; and the level of IL-5 of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (38.31) pg/ml was greater than the control 0.50 pg/ml, P < 0.05. Nevertheless, no obvious effects on weight increasing, the ratio of immune organ and body weight and phagocytosis capacity were observed in our study.
Conclusion:
MPP could improve the immune functions in mice, and might be by the mechanism of enhancing the function of Th cells stimulating the secretion of Th1 and Th2 type cell cytokines.
Insights
Marine protein peptide (MPP) significantly enhanced immune functions in mice by boosting lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell activity, and T helper cell responses. This suggests MPP may improve immunity through cytokine modulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Marine Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- The study investigates the immunomodulatory potential of marine protein peptide (MPP).
- Understanding the effects of marine-derived compounds on immune function is crucial for developing novel health supplements and therapeutics.
- MPP is a promising bioactive substance derived from marine resources.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the immunomodulating effects of marine protein peptide (MPP) in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of MPP's immune-enhancing properties.
- To assess the impact of different MPP dosages on various immune parameters.
Summary:
- Administration of MPP to female ICR mice for 4 weeks resulted in significant improvements in cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
- Key findings include enhanced lymphocyte proliferation, increased NK cell activity, elevated IgM-producing cells, and higher serum complement activity (HC50).
- MPP treatment also led to an increase in CD4 T helper cells and modulated the secretion of cytokines like IL-2 and IL-5, indicating a Th1/Th2 response.
Impact:
- Marine protein peptide (MPP) demonstrates significant potential as an immunomodulator.
- The findings suggest MPP can enhance immune responses in mice, potentially through the enhancement of T helper cell function and cytokine secretion.
- This research supports the exploration of MPP as a functional ingredient for immune support.
