Enhancement of immune responses to influenza vaccine (H3N2) by ginsenoside Re

This study was designed to evaluate the adjuvant effect of ginsenoside Re isolated from the root of Panax ginseng on the immune responses elicited by split inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen in a mouse model. Forty-eight ICR mice were randomly distributed into six groups with 8 mice in each group. All animals were subcutaneously (s.c.) immunized twice on weeks 0 and 3 with 50 mu g Re. inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen equivalent to 10 or 100 ng of hemogglutinin (HA) or inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen equivalent to 10 ng HA adjuvanted with Re (25, 50 or 100 mu g). Two weeks after the boost, blood samples were collected for measurement of serum IgG, the IgG isotypes and H1 titers. Splenocytes were separated for the detection of lymphocyte proliferation and production of IFN-gamma and IL-5 in vitro. Results ;showed that co-administration of Re significantly enhanced serum specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b responses, HI titers, lymphocyte proliferation responses as well as IFN-gamma and IL-5 secretions, indicating that both Th1 and Th2 were activated. Considering the adjuvant effect demonstrated in this study, Re deserve further studies for improving the quality of vaccines where mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses are needed. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.