Royal jelly enhances antigen-specific mucosal IgA response.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Effective antigen uptake by M cells is vital for intestinal mucosal immunity.
• Royal jelly (RJ) is a natural bee product with potential immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of royal jelly (RJ) on M cell differentiation and function.
• To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of protease-treated royal jelly (pRJ) in enhancing mucosal immune responses.

Main Methods:

• In vitro M cell model using Caco-2 cells stimulated with RJ.
• Transcytosis assays with FluoSpheres® microspheres.
• In vivo study in nonhuman primates with oral administration of pRJ.
• Analysis of antigen-specific IgA in stool samples.
• Assessment of M cell marker glycoprotein 2 (gp2) expression.

Main Results:

• RJ stimulated the differentiation of M-like cells from Caco-2 cells in vitro.
• Both RJ and pRJ enhanced transcytosis in the in vitro model.
• Oral administration of pRJ significantly increased antigen-specific IgA response in primate stool.
• Ether extracts from pRJ increased gp2 expression in Caco-2 cells.

Conclusions:

• Protease-treated royal jelly (pRJ) possesses mucosal immunomodulatory properties.
• pRJ enhances antigen uptake by stimulating M cell activity.
• RJ may be a promising agent for boosting intestinal mucosal immunity.