Impact of Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) hemagglutinin LysM to mice secondary immune response

Abstract

Hemaglutinins or lectins are highly potential therapeutic agents found in plants. Although considered as toxins, low doses of lectins acts as an antibacterial [2] and antifungal [1] substances, stimulates immune system [3]. Hemagglutinins from Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) roots haven’t been investigated and tested on animal models in vivo. Materials and methods. Lectins from E. purpurea roots were extracted and purified by affinity chromatography, followed by mass spectrometry identification. Identified lysine motif peptidoglycan binding domain (LysM) protein fractions was peritonially injected to male Balb/C mice (n=15). Immune response to 4 weekly repeated 5 μg lectin injections were measured in mice spleen by immunohistochemical CD3 staining. Results were compared with physiological solution (n=14) and E. purpurea root tincture (n=15) peritoneal injections immunomodulatory effect to male Balb/C mice. Results. Peritoneal LysM lectin injections caused statistically significant (p<0.001) increase of T lymphocyte cell count in Balb/c mice’s spleen white pulp compared to other experimental animal groups. Conclusions. LysM lectin from E. purpurea roots causes significant secondary immune response stimulation.