The immunopotentiating effects of shark-derived protein hydrolysate

Peptides derived from natural sources can act as immunomodulating agents and prevent infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunopotentiating and protective effects of a shark-derived protein hydrolysate (SPH) against an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli H10407 infection in a murine model.

Mice were fed an aqueous solution of SPH for 7 days before being inoculated with an experimental enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli H10407 infection. After euthanasia, small intestines were removed for histological study and the number of IgA and IgG producing cells was determined by direct immunofluorescence. Cytokines were measured in the serum and the intestinal fluid.

The oral administration of SPH enhanced the gut barrier function via up-regulation of immunoglobulin A-producing cells and intestinal cytokines production, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. The increase of transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-10 contribute to the down-regulation of uncontrolled-inflammatory reaction induced by E. coli infection. From these results, the anti-inflammatory properties of SPH may be caused by regulation and priming mechanisms of the immune system.

Enzymatic protein degradation confers immunomodulating and protective potentials to shark proteins and the resulted peptides could be used as an alternative therapy to reduce the risk of bacterial infections and inflammatory-related diseases.