Immunomodulatory effects of a 3.2Â kDa polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervus nippon Temminck

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of a native 3.2 kDa polypeptide of velvet antler from sika deer (nVAP32) on BALB/c mice immunocytes. In vitro tests showed that nVAP32 significantly stimulated splenocyte proliferation and enhanced the NK cytotoxicity and CD4+/CD8+ cell subpopulations. Also, nVAP32 demonstrated a significant capacity in up- and down-regulating the expression of Th1- and Th2-related cytokines respectively. These results indicated that nVAP32 might have potential immunomodulatory effects on the immune system of mice and the further investigation on in vivo effects is qualified.