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Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation
Published on: June 24, 2025
Modulation of age-associated immune dysfunction and allergic responses by Mongolian Lycium ruthenicum extract in
Mao Kaneki1, Chiharu Ohira1, Chizuki Usui1
1Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Azabu University, 1-17-71, Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan.
Background:
Lycium ruthenicum (black goji berry) is rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated whether Mongolian L. ruthenicum (LR) extract modulates age-related allergic inflammation in murine models.
Methods:
Female C57BL/6N mice received Mongolian LR extract (4 mg/mL in drinking water) under long-term (73 weeks) or short-term (4 weeks) regimens. Allergic asthma and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were induced by Dermatophagoides farinae extract and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, respectively. Immune cell subsets, cytokine production, serum IgE levels, and histopathology were analyzed by flow cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR.
Results:
Chronic LR administration significantly attenuated Th2-type inflammation in aged mice with asthma or ACD. In the asthma model, LR reduced perivascular lung inflammation, decreased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secretion from lymph node cells, and decreased the numbers of CD4+ effector/memory T cells, dendritic cells, and IgE+ B cells. In the ACD model, LR alleviated epidermal ulceration and reduced serum IgE levels. In contrast, short-term administration at either young or old age produced minimal effects.
Conclusions:
Prolonged intake of Mongolian L. ruthenicum extract suppressed age-associated Th2-skewed allergic inflammation without disturbing immune homeostasis. These findings suggest that sustained LR supplementation may counteract immunosenescence and help maintain immune balance during aging.
