Pretreatment with Spleen Peptides Can Enhance Survival in Influenza A Infected Mice

Author(s): de, R. , H, Mouton, J., Hartleb, M., Lachmann, B.

Abstract: Background: Preclinicial experiments showed a positive influence of Polyerga@, a low molecular weight spleen peptide preparation, on T-cell-dependent immunoreactions (cytokine release, CTL activity), which are important for antiviral defense mechanisms. This effect may lead to an improved resistance against virus infections, which can offer an additional treatment of immunosuppressed patients during complementary therapy. Objective: Approval of the effect of low molecular weight spleen peptides on the survival rate of influenza A infected mice. Methods: Mice were pretreated orally with 3 different dosages of Polyerga drug substance (0.5, 50, 250 µg/kg/day) or with saline for 6 days and then subsequently infected by inhalation with influenza A virus suspension. Survival rate was observed during the following 16 days. Results: 'Me survival rate of mice was significantly increased in a dosedependent manner after oral pretreatment with 50 µg (p<0.02) and 250 µg (p<0.001) in comparison with saline. Conclusions: Taken together the results of previous immunological experiments, we conclude that pretreatment of mice with low molecular weight spleen peptides enhances the T-lymphocyte-dependent defense mechanisms against influenza A virus. 'This result is indicative for a supportive therapy with low molecular weight spleen peptides in immunosuppressed patients.

Keyword(s): Influenza-A-Infektion

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