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Hu Y, Aljumaah MR, Azcarate-Peril MA. Galacto-Oligosaccharides and the Elderly Gut: Implications for Immune Restoration and Health. Adv Nutr 2024; 15:100263. [PMID: 38897384 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in the aging population has been correlated with a decline in innate and adaptive immune responses; hence, it is imperative to identify approaches to improve immune function, prevent related disorders, and reduce or treat age-associated health complications. Prebiotic supplementation is a promising approach to modulate the gut microbiome and immune system, offering a potential strategy to maintain the integrity of immune function in older individuals. This review summarizes the current research on prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) immunomodulatory mechanisms mediated by bacterial-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, to maintain immune homeostasis. The potential applications of GOS as immunotherapy for age-related disease prevention in older individuals are also highlighted. This aligns with the global shift toward proactive healthcare and emphasizes the significance of early intervention in directing an individual's health trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunan Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Mashael R Aljumaah
- UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maria Andrea Azcarate-Peril
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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2
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Cortijo-Alfonso ME, Romero MP, Macià A, Yuste S, Moralejo M, Rubió-Piqué L, Piñol-Felis C. Effect of Barley and Oat Consumption on Immune System, Inflammation and Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Nutr Rep 2024:10.1007/s13668-024-00543-x. [PMID: 38789888 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00543-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of whole grain Avena sativa and Hordeum vulgare L., or their isolated fractions, on immune and inflammatory functions, as well as their influence on gut microbiota. A structured literature search was undertaken in line with PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of oats or barley consumption in adults and reported ≥ 1 of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-2, IL-8, IL-18, lipopolysacharide binding protein (LBP) or gut microbiota-related outcomes, were included. RECENT FINDINGS A total of 16 RCTs were included, among which 6 studies recruited metabolically at-risk population, including individuals with overweight and obesity, metabolic syndrome or hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, 3 trials involved young healthy population, 5 trials targeted older individuals (aged over 50 years), and 2 studies encompassed populations with other disease states. A total of 1091 individuals were included in the evaluation of short-term (up to 14 days) and long-term (beyond 14 days, up to 90 days) supplementation with oats or barley-based products. 9 studies measured inflammatory biomarkers and 5 of them reported significant reductions, specifically in long-term studies. Notably, no evidence of anti-inflammatory benefits was found in healthy individuals, whereas studies involving metabolically at-risk populations showed promising reductions in inflammation. 13 studies measured the impact on gut microbiota, and collectively suggest that oats and barley food products can influence the composition of gut microbiota, associated in some cases with metabolic improvements. Oats and barley consumption may confer anti-inflammatory effects in metabolically at-risk populations and influence gut microbiota outcomes. However, no anti-inflammatory benefits were observed in healthy individuals. Results from this systematic review suggests caution in interpreting findings due to limited trials and variations in interventions and health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María-Paz Romero
- University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Alba Macià
- University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Silvia Yuste
- University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Marian Moralejo
- University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Laura Rubió-Piqué
- University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Carme Piñol-Felis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Fundació Dr. Pifarré IRBLleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
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3
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Moerings BGJ, Mes JJ, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Govers C, van Dijk M, Witkamp RF, van Norren K, Abbring S. Dietary Intake of Yeast-Derived β-Glucan and Rice-Derived Arabinoxylan Induces Dose-Dependent Innate Immune Priming in Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300829. [PMID: 38682734 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Beta-glucans and arabinoxylans are known for their immunostimulatory properties. However, in vivo these have been documented almost exclusively following parenteral administration, underemphasizing oral intake. C57BL/6 mice are fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with yeast-derived whole β-glucan particle (yWGP) or with rice-derived arabinoxylan (rice bran-1) at a concentration of 1%, 2.5%, or 5% weight/weight (w/w) for 2 weeks. Thereafter, cells from blood, bone marrow, and spleen are collected for ex vivo stimulation with various microbial stimuli. Dietary intake of yWGP for 2 weeks at concentrations of 1% and 2.5% w/w increases ex vivo cytokine production in mouse blood and bone marrow, whereas 5% w/w yWGP shows no effect. In the spleen, cytokine production remains unaffected by yWGP. At a concentration of 1% w/w, rice bran-1 increases ex vivo cytokine production by whole blood, but 2.5% and 5% w/w cause inhibitory effects in bone marrow and spleen. This study demonstrates that dietary yWGP and rice bran-1 induce immune priming in mouse blood and bone marrow, with the strongest effects observed at 1% w/w. Future human trials should substantiate the efficacy of dietary β-glucans and arabinoxylans to bolster host immunity, focusing on dose optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart G J Moerings
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WE, The Netherlands
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WG, The Netherlands
| | - Jurriaan J Mes
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WG, The Netherlands
| | | | - Coen Govers
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WD, The Netherlands
| | | | - Renger F Witkamp
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WE, The Netherlands
| | - Klaske van Norren
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WE, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Abbring
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WE, The Netherlands
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WG, The Netherlands
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Moerings BG, Abbring S, Tomassen MM, Schols HA, Witkamp RF, van Norren K, Govers C, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Mes JJ. Rice-derived arabinoxylan fibers are particle size-dependent inducers of trained immunity in a human macrophage-intestinal epithelial cell co-culture model. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 8:100666. [PMID: 38179220 PMCID: PMC10765302 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Arabinoxylans have been identified for a wide range of purported health-promoting applications, primarily attributed to its immunomodulatory effects. Previously, we have reported the ability of arabinoxylans to induce non-specific memory in innate immune cells, commonly referred to as "trained innate immunity". In the present study, we investigated the effect of particle size on innate immune training and resilience in primary human macrophages as well as in a more physiologically relevant macrophage-intestinal epithelial cell co-culture model. We demonstrated that smaller (>45 & < 90 μm) compared to larger (>90 μm) particle size fractions of rice bran-derived arabinoxylan preparations have a higher enhancing effect on training and resilience in both models. Smaller particle size fractions elevated TNF-α production in primary macrophages and enhanced Dectin-1 receptor activation in reporter cell lines compared to larger particles. Responses were arabinoxylan source specific as only the rice-derived arabinoxylans showed these immune-supportive effects. This particle size-dependent induction of trained immunity was confirmed in the established co-culture model. These findings demonstrate the influence of particle size on the immunomodulatory potential of arabinoxylans, provide further insight into the structure-activity relationship, and offer new opportunities to optimize the immune-enhancing effects of these dietary fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart G.J. Moerings
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Abbring
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Monic M.M. Tomassen
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Henk A. Schols
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renger F. Witkamp
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Klaske van Norren
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Coen Govers
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jurriaan J. Mes
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Han S, Lee P, Choi HJ. Non-Invasive Vaccines: Challenges in Formulation and Vaccine Adjuvants. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2114. [PMID: 37631328 PMCID: PMC10458847 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the limitations of conventional invasive vaccines, such as the requirement for a cold chain system and trained personnel, needle-based injuries, and limited immunogenicity, non-invasive vaccines have gained significant attention. Although numerous approaches for formulating and administrating non-invasive vaccines have emerged, each of them faces its own challenges associated with vaccine bioavailability, toxicity, and other issues. To overcome such limitations, researchers have created novel supplementary materials and delivery systems. The goal of this review article is to provide vaccine formulation researchers with the most up-to-date information on vaccine formulation and the immunological mechanisms available, to identify the technical challenges associated with the commercialization of non-invasive vaccines, and to guide future research and development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hyo-Jick Choi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; (S.H.); (P.L.)
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Spacova I, Patusco R, Lebeer S, Jensen MG. Influence of biotic interventions on the immune response to vaccines in young and older adults. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:216-226. [PMID: 36657219 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective way to confer potent and long-term protection from infectious diseases. However, poorer responses to immunization are common in young adults with sub-optimal immune health and the elderly because of immunosenescence and increased comorbidities. Recent mechanistic studies have highlighted that the microbiota and its compounds modulate many molecular pathways that can influence the host immune system. Consequently, altering the microbiota composition or activity with immunonutrition, specifically with biotic interventions (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics), may enhance the immune response and vaccine efficacy. This review aims to examine the available data for these biotic strategies to provide clinicians, researchers, and vaccine developers with a mechanistically driven synthesis of how biotic interventions could modulate the immune responses to vaccination. The article describes some postulated mechanistic pathways involved in immunological responses to vaccines and immunomodulation with biotic interventions. Randomized clinical trials were also reviewed to evaluate the impact of specific biotic interventions on vaccination outcomes in different age groups. Few strains and formulations significantly increased antigen-specific antibody titers in individual of all ages. However, studies have also pointed to a substantial heterogeneity that can be attributed to the difference in biotic intervention, strain, dose, viability, type of vaccine antigen, study location, as well as duration, and timing of administration. Future investigations should focus on establishing optimal strains, doses, and timing of administration with respect to vaccination, especially in the elderly and children, where vaccine effectiveness and duration of immunization matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Spacova
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Rachael Patusco
- Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare Pvt Ltd), United States
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Belgium
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7
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Dectin-1b activation by arabinoxylans induces trained immunity in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:942-950. [PMID: 35447262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Arabinoxylans of various structures and sources have shown to possess the ability to induce a range of immune responses in different cell types in vitro and in vivo. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully established, several studies point towards the involvement of activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Activation of specific PRRs (i.e., Dectin-1 and CR3) has also been shown to play a key role in the induction of a non-specific memory response in innate immune cells, termed 'trained innate immunity'. In the current study, we assessed whether arabinoxylans are also able to induce trained innate immunity. To this end, a range of arabinoxylan preparations from different sources were tested for their physicochemical properties and their capacity to induce innate immune training and resilience. In human macrophages, rice and wheat-derived arabinoxylan preparations induced training and/or resilience effects, the extent depending on fiber particle size and solubility. Using a Dectin-1 antagonist or a CR3 antibody, it was demonstrated that arabinoxylan-induced trained immunity in macrophages is mainly dependent on Dectin-1b. These findings build on previous observations showing the immunomodulatory potential of arabinoxylans as biological response modifiers and open up promising avenues for their use as health promoting ingredients.
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8
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Govers C, Calder PC, Savelkoul HFJ, Albers R, van Neerven RJJ. Ingestion, Immunity, and Infection: Nutrition and Viral Respiratory Tract Infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:841532. [PMID: 35296080 PMCID: PMC8918570 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.841532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory infections place a heavy burden on the health care system, particularly in the winter months. Individuals with a vulnerable immune system, such as very young children and the elderly, and those with an immune deficiency, are at increased risk of contracting a respiratory infection. Most respiratory infections are relatively mild and affect the upper respiratory tract only, but other infections can be more serious. These can lead to pneumonia and be life-threatening in vulnerable groups. Rather than focus entirely on treating the symptoms of infectious disease, optimizing immune responsiveness to the pathogens causing these infections may help steer towards a more favorable outcome. Nutrition may have a role in such prevention through different immune supporting mechanisms. Nutrition contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, with various nutrients acting as energy sources and building blocks during the immune response. Many micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) act as regulators of molecular responses of immune cells to infection. It is well described that chronic undernutrition as well as specific micronutrient deficiencies impair many aspects of the immune response and make individuals more susceptible to infectious diseases, especially in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In addition, other dietary components such as proteins, pre-, pro- and synbiotics, and also animal- and plant-derived bioactive components can further support the immune system. Both the innate and adaptive defense systems contribute to active antiviral respiratory tract immunity. The initial response to viral airway infections is through recognition by the innate immune system of viral components leading to activation of adaptive immune cells in the form of cytotoxic T cells, the production of neutralizing antibodies and the induction of memory T and B cell responses. The aim of this review is to describe the effects of a range different dietary components on anti-infective innate as well as adaptive immune responses and to propose mechanisms by which they may interact with the immune system in the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coen Govers
- Cell Biology and Immunology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Philip C. Calder
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Huub F. J. Savelkoul
- Cell Biology and Immunology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - R. J. Joost van Neerven
- Cell Biology and Immunology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Research & Development, FrieslandCampina, Amersfoort, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: R. J. Joost van Neerven,
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Sharma R, Diwan B, Sharma A, Witkowski JM. Emerging cellular senescence-centric understanding of immunological aging and its potential modulation through dietary bioactive components. Biogerontology 2022; 23:699-729. [PMID: 36261747 PMCID: PMC9581456 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-09995-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immunological aging is strongly associated with the observable deleterious effects of human aging. Our understanding of the causes, effects, and therapeutics of aging immune cells has long been considered within the sole purview of immunosenescence. However, it is being progressively realized that immunosenescence may not be the only determinant of immunological aging. The cellular senescence-centric theory of aging proposes a more fundamental and specific role of immune cells in regulating senescent cell (SC) burden in aging tissues that has augmented the notion of senescence immunotherapy. Now, in addition, several emerging studies are suggesting that cellular senescence itself may be prevalent in aging immune cells, and that senescent immune cells exhibiting characteristic markers of cellular senescence, similar to non-leucocyte cells, could be among the key drivers of various facets of physiological aging. The present review integrates the current knowledge related to immunosenescence and cellular senescence in immune cells per se, and aims at providing a cohesive overview of these two phenomena and their significance in immunity and aging. We present evidence and rationalize that understanding the extent and impact of cellular senescence in immune cells vis-à-vis immunosenescence is necessary for truly comprehending the notion of an 'aged immune cell'. In addition, we also discuss the emerging significance of dietary factors such as phytochemicals, probiotic bacteria, fatty acids, and micronutrients as possible modulators of immunosenescence and cellular senescence. Evidence and opportunities related to nutritional bioactive components and immunological aging have been deliberated to augment potential nutrition-oriented immunotherapy during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Sharma
- grid.430140.20000 0004 1799 5083Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 India
| | - Bhawna Diwan
- grid.430140.20000 0004 1799 5083Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 India
| | - Anamika Sharma
- grid.464631.20000 0004 1775 3615Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037 India
| | - Jacek M. Witkowski
- grid.11451.300000 0001 0531 3426Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
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Elsaid AF, Agrawal S, Agrawal A, Ghoneum M. Dietary Supplementation with Biobran/MGN-3 Increases Innate Resistance and Reduces the Incidence of Influenza-like Illnesses in Elderly Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13114133. [PMID: 34836388 PMCID: PMC8618540 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza-like illness (ILI) remains a major cause of severe mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Aging is associated with a decreased ability to sense pathogens and mount effective innate and adaptive immune responses, thus mandating the development of protective nutraceuticals. Biobran/MGN-3, an arabinoxylan from rice bran, has potent anti-aging and immunomodulatory effects, suggesting that it may be effective against ILI. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of Biobran/MGN-3 on ILI incidence, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and the expressions of RIG-1 (retinoic acid-inducible gene 1), MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5), and their downstream signaling genes ISG-15 (interferon-stimulated genes 15) and MX1 (myxovirus (influenza) resistance 1, interferon-inducible). A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included eighty healthy older adults over 55 years old, 40 males and 40 females, who received either a placebo or Biobran/MGN-3 (500 mg/day) for 3 months during known ILI seasonality (peak incidence) in Egypt. The incidence of ILI was confirmed clinically according to the WHO case definition criteria. Hematological, hepatic, and renal parameters were assessed in all subjects, while the activity of NK and NKT (natural killer T) cells was assessed in six randomly chosen subjects in each group by the degranulation assay. The effect of Biobran/MGN-3 on RIG-1 and MDA5, as well as downstream ISG15 and MX1, was assessed in BEAS-2B pulmonary epithelial cells using flow cytometry. The incidence rate and incidence density of ILI in the Biobran/MGN-3 group were 5.0% and 0.57 cases per 1000 person-days, respectively, compared to 22.5% and 2.95 cases per 1000 person-days in the placebo group. Furthermore, Biobran/MGN-3 ingestion significantly enhanced NK activity compared to the basal levels and to the placebo group. In addition, Biobran/MGN-3 significantly upregulated the expression levels of RIG-1, MDA5, ISG15, and MX1 in the human pulmonary epithelial BEAS-2B cell lines. No side effects were observed. Taken together, Biobran/MGN-3 supplementation enhanced the innate immune response of elderly subjects by upregulating the NK activity associated with reduction of ILI incidence. It also upregulated the intracellular RIG-1, MDA5, ISG15, and MX1 expression in pulmonary epithelial tissue cultures. Biobran/MGN-3 could be a novel agent with prophylactic effects against a wide spectrum of respiratory viral infections that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F. Elsaid
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Correspondence: or
| | - Sudhanshu Agrawal
- Division of Basic and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (S.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Anshu Agrawal
- Division of Basic and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (S.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Mamdooh Ghoneum
- Department of Surgery, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
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