J Nutr Health.  2024 Dec;57(6):605-618. 10.4163/jnh.2024.57.6.605.

Immunomodulatory effects of ovalbumin extracts on splenocyte and macrophages in mice

• Lee Y
• Choi M
• Park E

• KMID: 2564168
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2024.57.6.605

Abstract

Purpose
Ovalbumin, a major protein derived from egg white, has significant functional properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, ovalbumin has potential use in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of ovalbumin water extract (OAW) and ethanol extract (OAE) on splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages in Balb/c mice, focusing on their potential to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance and enhance immune functions.
Methods
The effects of OAW and OAE on T and B-cell proliferation, cytokines, immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production were examined using mitogen (ConA or LPS)-treated mouse splenocytes and macrophages from Balb/c mice. OAW and OAE were applied at concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 μg/mL. T and B-cell proliferation, cytokine production, including Th1 (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) profiles, and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) production were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NO production and phagocytic activity were evaluated using a Griess assay and substratebased assays, respectively.
Results
OAW and OAE modulated T and B-cell proliferation and inhibited the production of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) cytokines, restoring the Th1/ Th2 balance. Moreover, at 500 μg/mL, the OAW extracts exhibited comparable effects to the zymosan-stimulated controls. The production of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) and NO levels were reduced, while the macrophage phagocytic activity was enhanced in a dosedependent manner.
Conclusion
Ovalbumin extracts can modulate the systemic immune system by influencing immunoglobulin production and regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.

Keyword

ovalbumin; immunomodulation; cytokine; immunoglobulin; phagocytosis